Babies Under One Month

State of California
Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
45 Fremont Street, Suite 3260
San Francisco, CA 94105

December 4, 1998

RE: Recent Legislation Affecting the Employment of Minors in the Entertainment Industry – AB774

Dear Interested Party:

The recent enactment of Assembly Bill 744 (Washington) adds 1308.8 to the Labor Code. Effective January 1, 1999, the new law prohibits the employment of a minor under the age of one month on a motion picture unless a physician/surgeon, board certified in pediatrics, has certified that the infant meets all of the following conditions:

  • Was carried to full term
  • Was of normal birth weight
  • Is at least fifteen days old
  • Is physically able to withstand the potential stress of filmmaking

Violation of this law by a parent, guardian, employer or agent of an employer is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine ranging from $2,500.00 to $5,000.00.

Please refer to the attached copy of the bill for details. If you have questions regarding the new law, you may write to:

Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Labor Standards Enforcement Headquarters
P.O. Box 420603
San Francisco, CA 94142-0603

Sincerely,

Jose Millan
State Labor Commissioner