Massachusetts § 86 - Employment of children with permit; particular employments; filing, accessibility and return of, and failure to return, permit; list of employed children

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 86 — Employment of children with permit; particular employments; filing, accessibility and return of, and failure to return, permit; list of employed children, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 86. Employment of children with permit; particular employments; filing, accessibility and return of, and failure to return, permit; list of employed children

Section 86. A person shall not employ a child, other than a child over the age of 14 granted an employment permit by the superintendent of schools when the superintendent determines that the welfare of the child will be better served through the granting of the permit, in any place of employment, other than street trades described in section 69; but a child 14 years of age or older in co-operative courses in a public school may be employed by a co-operating establishment upon securing from the superintendent of schools a permit covering the co-operating employment. Children between fourteen and sixteen who possess the educational qualifications set forth in section one of chapter seventy-six and are employed in private domestic service or service on farms shall be required to secure a permit issued by the superintendent of schools covering such employment. A person employing a minor 14 years of age or older shall procure and keep on file, accessible to the supervisors of attendance of the town, to agents of the department of education, and to the attorney general or his authorized agents or inspectors, the permit for employment issued to the minor and shall keep a complete list of the names and ages of all minors so employed.

On termination of the employment of a child whose permit for employment is on file said permit shall be returned by the employer within two days after said termination to the office of the superintendent of schools or school committee from which it was issued. Any person who retains a permit for employment contrary to this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than ten dollars nor more than one hundred dollars.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 86

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 86 cover?

Section 86 ("Employment of children with permit; particular employments; filing, accessibility and return of, and failure to return, permit; list of employed children") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 86?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 86" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 86 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.