As business lawyers in Houston, Texas, we are sometimes asked about the employment of minors in Texas. As a general rule, in Texas you may not employ a child under the age of 14, and there are specific restrictions on the employment of 14 and 15 year old children. The following are some of the restrictions to the employment of 14 and 15 year olds:
• The child may not work more than eight hours in one day;
• The child may not work more than 48 hours in one week;
• If the child is enrolled in a term of school, the child may not work:
• Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. on a day that is followed by a school day;
• Between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. on a day that is not followed by a school day;
• Between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. during the summer if the child is not enrolled in summer school.
• The child may not be employed in an occupation that is particularly hazardous to children or that has been designated hazardous by any agency of the federal government.
• Any child younger than 14 may not be used to solicit donations or sell items or services unless the child is accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• A child 14 or older may not be employed to solicit donations or sell items or services unless:
• The employer obtains written consent of a parent or guardian at least seven days before the child begins employment;
• Provides a map of the route and the supervising employer for each trip;
• Provides at least one adult supervisor for every three children on the solicitation trip;
• The solicitation trip is limited to no later than 7 p.m. on a day before the child is required to attend school or between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on all other days.
• A child may be employed to sell items or services or solicit donations for exempt organizations like charitable organizations or for family-owned businesses.
Consult a business attorney in your jurisdiction prior to making any legal binding decisions.
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