As a reminder for all employers in Indiana, House Enrolled Act 1302 discontinues the state-run Youth Employment System (YES) and ends employer reporting of teen workers. The Indiana Department of Labor will no longer maintain the YES database or require employer registration/updates for minors, reflecting the state’s shift away from work permits toward a no-registration model.

This update applies to all Indiana employers that previously had to register five or more minor employees in YES and takes effect on July 1, 2026.

What Employers Need to Do

• Retire YES Workflows by July 1, 2026: Consider removing YES registration steps from onboarding checklists, Human Resources Information System (HRIS) prompts, and monthly reminder tasks, since the Department of Labor will no longer run the employer database going forward.

• Keep Internal Records and Scheduling Controls: Although YES reporting ends, it may be prudent to continue internal rosters and timekeeping oversight for minors.

• Train Managers on “What Changed vs. What Didn’t”: Consider refresher training that YES reporting is gone, but Indiana youth employment rules and federal child labor standards (e.g., hazardous duty prohibitions) continue to govern permissible work and hours.

• Update Posters, Handbooks, and Templates: Replace any language that instructs sites to “register five or more minors in the Youth Employment System” and ensure required federal and state postings are current. State youth employment resources remain available on the Department of Labor website.

• County Election Boards: If partnering with county election boards, align on the new youth roles. HB 1302 clarifies pathways for 16–17-year-olds to serve in certain election capacities if eligibility criteria are met. Coordinate locally on approvals/training and scheduling.

• For Mine Operators: Review the labor and safety updates (e.g., removal of certain certificate references) and watch for implementation guidance so certifications, exams, and personnel assignments remain current.

Overview

• What Changed: The state repealed provisions for the youth‑employment employer database (YES)—ending registration and monthly updates for businesses with 5+ minors.

• What Did Not Change: Employers must still comply with Indiana youth‑employment rules and federal child‑labor laws on hours and hazardous work.

• Additional Elements in HB 1302: Clarifies/expands youth election work pathways for 16–17‑year‑olds; and modernizes mine‑safety provisions.

Why this matters

• Lower admin burden, but continued oversight: Ending YES reduces administrative tasks, yet employers remain accountable for lawful scheduling, duties, and documentation. Auditors and agencies can still rely on site records and federal rules to assess compliance.

• Public scrutiny and risk posture: Media and policy groups have spotlighted the removal of the database as reducing a guardrail; maintaining strong internal controls helps mitigate reputational and enforcement risks.

• Operational opportunities: For organizations that support elections, 16–17‑year‑olds may be available for more roles (subject to local board approvals), helping with staffing surges around election cycles.

Key Risks for Employers

• Compliance Gaps Without YES: Weak rosters and timekeeping can lead to violations of state and federal child labor laws, particularly hour restrictions for 14- and 15-year-olds.

• Manager Confusion: Ending YES does not end hour/duty restrictions or hazardous work prohibitions.

• Outdated Materials/Workflows: Leaving “register 5 plus minors in YES” in handbooks/HRIS after July 1, 2026, invites audit risk.

• Role-specific Missteps: Youth election roles need local approvals/training; mine operators must track certification/exam updates to avoid enforcement.

Additional information

• Background on YES and Work Permits: Indiana eliminated work permits in 2021 and shifted to YES; HB 1302 now retires the YES reporting model.

• Youth Election Service Expansion: 16- and 17-year-olds may serve in certain election-related roles, subject to statutory requirements such as a minimum 3.0 grade point average, county residency, required approvals, and training.

• Mine Safety Updates: HB 1302 removes certain certificate references (e.g., belt examiner) and makes corresponding changes; consult agency guidance and exam schedules as updated.

Source Reference

• Indiana HB 1302 – Various labor and safety matters (Public Law 91)

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