No. Child labor under age 14 is prohibited in New Hampshire under RSA 276-A, aligning with federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) standards. Exceptions exist only for limited agricultural or parental business activities, strictly regulated by the NH Department of Labor (DOL) and subject to 2026 federal enforcement updates.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in New Hampshire
- Prohibition on Employment: RSA 276-A:4 explicitly bars minors under 14 from most non-agricultural work, with penalties enforced by the NH DOL’s Wage and Hour Division.
- Agricultural Exemptions: Minors 12–13 may work on farms with parental consent, but hours are capped at 18/week during school terms per RSA 276-A:6, monitored by the NH DOL.
- Parental Business Loophole: Children under 14 may assist in family-owned enterprises, but activities must not involve hazardous occupations (e.g., machinery operation) as defined in RSA 276-A:7, per 2024 NH DOL guidance.
Federal 2026 FLSA revisions may tighten oversight, requiring NH employers to verify age verification systems and parental consent documentation. Violations trigger civil penalties up to $11,000 per minor under RSA 276-A:12, with repeat offenses escalating to criminal misdemeanor charges. Employers must consult the NH DOL’s 2025 Child Labor Handbook for updated compliance protocols.