Whereas, the Executive Branch of the state of Alabama is charged with the responsibility of efficient administration of the Alabama Child Labor Law; and

Whereas, the regulation of child labor in Alabama is fundamental duty of state government; and

Whereas, at any given time during the year, it is estimated that some five and a half million teenagers are at work in America; and

Whereas, there is reason to believe that countless young people are hired into illegal jobs, and preyed upon by employers because they are less experienced, less costly, and less complaining employees; and

Whereas, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health estimates that each year over 64,000 teens are treated in emergency rooms for occupational injuries; and

Whereas, the exploitation and endangerment of working minors is a large scale societal problem.

Now Therefore, I, Don Siegelman, Governor of the state of Alabama, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of Alabama, and for the other good and valid reasons, which relate thereto, do hereby order the Alabama Building Commission to expand the building site inspection duties assigned it under the Alabama Code to include the investigation of violations under Alabama's Child Labor Law.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that Alabama Building Commission personnel assigned the task of said inspections will continue to operate under the purview of the applicable statutory authority authorizing said Commission the duties of supervision and inspection of the planning, design, construction, renovation, and/or improvement of state building and construction, school houses, hotels and motion picture theaters.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the Alabama Department of Labor will remain responsible for the administration of Alabama's Child Labor Law, and will oversee all related inspections undertaken by Alabama Building Commission personnel.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the Alabama Department of Labor and the Alabama Building Commission shall enter into any necessary agreements that will allow them to exchange information consistent with this order and in such a way to maximize enforcement of child labor laws.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that this Executive Order shall become effective immediately and shall remain in effect until amended or modified by the Governor. 

(Signed the 4th day of September 2000 by Gov. Don Siegelman)