New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 11 - LABOR AND WORKERS' COMPENSATION
Chapter 1 - LABOR GENERAL PROVISIONS
Part 4 - WAGE AND HOUR AND EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN
Section 11.1.4.10 - EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

A. Any person who employs a person under the age of 18 as an actor or performer in the entertainment industry must obtain a pre-authorization certificate issued by the department of workforce solutions prior to the start of work. The pre-authorization certificate will include: the project name, estimated dates and length of the project, employer name, employer's New Mexico address, a minimum of three contact personnel including name, address, and contact telephone numbers. The pre-authorization certificate will include: the child performer's information: name, address, date of birth, where the child is registered to attend school, grade level of the child, special educational needs, anticipated length of employment on this project, nature of work on this project, and list any possible exposure to potentially hazardous materials or substances. A signature will be required from the child performer when the child is 14 years of age and older. A signature will be required from the parent or legal guardian giving the child permission to be employed in the entertainment industry. A signature will be required from the employer certifying compliance with all requirements of the pre-authorization certificate.

B. It is the responsibility of the employer to obtain a child performer pre-authorization certificate before the employment begins. The employer must be able to provide a copy at the work site when requested to do so. The LRD will retain a copy.

C. The child performer pre-authorization certificate is valid for one year from the date it was issued or until the specific project for which the child is employed by the employer who makes the application for the pre-authorization ceases, whichever time period is shorter.

D. The parent or legal guardian of the child performer can contact the LRD to renew the permit 30 days prior to expiration.

E. A pre-authorization certificate for a child performer can only be issued by the LRD.

F. No pre-authorization certificate will be given or issued without a signature of a parent or legal guardian indicating their permission for their child to work on the specific project. A parent or legal guardian must be within eyesight and earshot of the child performer at all times other than the time periods in which teachers are teaching school.

G. The employer must provide a certification of compliance for the certified teacher with appropriate teaching credentials for grade levels kindergarten through 12 or to teach the level of education required for the child performer at the place of employment to the LRD prior to issuance of the pre-authorization certificate.

H. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide a New Mexico certified trainer or technician accredited in a United States department of labor occupational safety and health administered-certified safety program at the place of employment at all times when a child performer may be exposed to potentially hazardous conditions. Hazardous conditions are special effects, which potentially could be physically dangerous to the child performer.

I. The employer must provide a written background check on all certified teachers, and certified trainers and technicians on the movie set to the LRD. It is the responsibility of the employer, parent, legal guardian, teacher, trainer and technician to report any arrest or conviction record and any other information that may present a possible danger to the health, safety and well-being of the child performer.