Washington Expands Work Hours for Minors in Technical Programs

Washington minors ages 16 and 17 who are enrolled in college programs or career and technical education programs may work longer hours during the school year than other minors, under a bill that will go into effect July 1, 2026.

Career and technical education programs are work-based learning programs approved by a state superintendent or local school district, under HB 1121. Employers offering career and technical education programs must also be approved for the expanded work hours to apply.

State law limits the time periods when minors may work, as well as their maximum weekly work hours and days, ...