New law aims to protect underage models

Models under 18 will be subject to sweeping new state labor law protections under legislation quietly signed into law by Gov. Cuomo Monday night.

The new regulations could have a huge impact on New York Fashion Week, where designers frequently employ under-aged catwalkers to show off their latest and hottest styles.

The legislation, sponsored by state Sens. Jeffrey Klein and Diane Savino, had been approved by lawmakers in June and was awaiting Cuomo’s signature.

Among the new regulations:

• An adult must be in the room, at all times, with any model under 16.


• The child’s parent and guardian must set up a trust fund, where employers will have to directly contribute at least 15% of gross earnings.


• A nurse with a background in pediatrics has to be on hand at all times.


• Employers have set aside time and space for their young models to do school work.


• Parents or guardians must receive a detailed work schedule for days the young beauties work.

“Most models begin their career around the age of 13, sacrificing their education, health and financial security to model without the basic protections they deserve under New York’s current law,” said Savino (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn).

“By making this legislation the law in New York, we have brought an end to the rampant exploitation and sexual abuse of child models by giving child models the critical protections they’ve been denied for too long.”

Yahoo Local News – New York Post

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