Effective July 1, 2023, Iowa's updated Youth Employment Law (Senate File 542) makes several changes, including the ability for Iowa employers to apply for a waiver for 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in approved work-based learning or work-related programs involving certain hazardous work activities under certain conditions.
The waiver process is done in conjunction with Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), the Iowa Department of Education (IDOE), and the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL). Below is more information on the process, the list of hazardous and always prohibited activities, and how the waiver may or may not apply in different cases.
Every effort will be made to review program applications in a timely manner. For any questions about your application or to discuss your program with the state, please contact youthemploymentwaiver@iwd.iowa.gov. Thank you for your interest in the waiver application process.
Visit this page to learn more or start the application process.