1. (1) Sixteen- and 17-year-old minors may work the following hours, provided the minor has a complete special variance included on the parent/school authorization form:

   1. (a) Up to a maximum of 28 hours per week; and
   2. (b) Up to a maximum of six hours per day on any school day preceding another school day.
2. (2) Sixteen- and 17-year-old minors must follow all other hours of work requirements specified in WAC 296-125-101.
3. (3) To be valid, a special variance must be signed on a parent/school authorization form completed in accordance with WAC 296-125-061. The special variance must be signed by the minor's parent or guardian and the minor's authorized school official.

4. (4) In evaluating requests for special variances, a school must consider at least the following factors:

   1. (a) Does the employer hold a current valid minor work permit endorsement?
   2. (b) What is the student's attendance pattern?
   3. (c) Is the student making satisfactory academic progress?
   4. (d) Will the student still have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities?
   5. (e) How many school nights will the student work?
   6. (f) How late in the evening will the student work?
   7. (g) How long a shift will the student work?
   8. (h) How sound is the student's rationale for requesting a variance from the work hour restrictions?
5. (5) Special variances expire at the termination of the school year. Employers must request a special variance at the beginning of each new school year.
6. (6) Special variances will not be granted for 16-year-old and 17-year-old minors working in house-to-house sales.
7. (7) A parent, legal guardian, or school may revoke a special variance at any time by simply giving written notification to the other parties to the variance.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.12.121 and 49.30.060. WSR 26-11-048 (Order 25-21), s 296-125-161, filed 5/19/26, effective 7/1/26.]