Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
New York Child Modeling Legislation May Alter the Fashion Industry
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: June 14, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
Proposed modeling legislation in the state of New York may have a dramatic impact on the fashion industry as it would afford child fashion models that same legal protections as those applied to child actors, dancers, and performers under the age of 18.
State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein and State Senate Labor Committee Chairwoman Diane Savino recently proposed a new law that would include child print and runway models under existing legislation that provides added protections to child entertainers. These protections – which are extended to underage models in video fashion shoots – require that models have chaperones and medical staff on set, maintain their educational requirements, and transfer a portion of their earnings to a financial trust. Underage models would also be required to obtain a permit and employers would have to apply for a general certificate of eligibility to employ child performers. Currently, print and runway models under age 18 do not have access to these legal safeguards.
The legislation has drawn support from nonprofit organization Model Alliance. Following the release of a report from the Independent Democratic Conference, lawmakers said the legislation may impose protections that lower the risk of exploitation and abuse of child models.
“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. “Today, we are bringing attention to the rampant exploitation and sexual abuse of child models and announcing legislation that will give child models these critical protections they have gone without for too long.”
If the legislation is passed, it may result in a backlash from designers and other fashion industry professionals who find the new entertainment law provisions to burdensome or tedious. This may prompt some designers to reevaluate casting decisions and gravitate toward 18-year-old models to avoid strict child labor law requirements.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
What Founders Can Learn From Start-up Suits
High-profile founder litigation is more than just a media spectacle. For startup founders, these cases underscore the legal and structural risks that can arise when rapid growth outpaces formal oversight. While launching a new company can be both an exciting and deeply rewarding endeavor, founders must be mindful that it also comes with significant risks. […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate Governance Reviews: A Practical Guide for New Jersey Companies
Every New Jersey company should periodically evaluate its governance framework. Strong corporate governance protects directors and officers, builds investor confidence, reduces litigation exposure, and positions a company for sustainable growth. The first quarter of the year is a great time to evaluate your corporate governance practices and perform any routine maintenance needed to keep that […]
Author: Ken Hollenbeck
What to Do After Being Served with a Lawsuit: Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights
Being served with a lawsuit is one of the most stressful legal events a business or individual can face. Whether the claim involves a contract dispute, an employment matter, an intellectual property issue, or another legal challenge, the actions you take in the first few days can significantly shape the outcome of your case. Acting […]
Author: Robert E. Levy
Will 2026 Be a Banner Year for SPACs? Understanding the Risks and Opportunities
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) continue to gain momentum as we move through 2026. After enduring a significant contraction following the 2021 boom and the regulatory scrutiny that followed, SPAC activity rebounded sharply in 2025 and now carries forward into 2026 with real momentum. The SPAC resurgence reflects broader improvements in both market conditions and the […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Why Compliance Monitoring Matters for NY and NJ Businesses
Compliance programs are no longer judged by how they look on paper, but by how they function in the real world. Compliance monitoring is the ongoing process of reviewing, testing, and evaluating whether policies, procedures, and controls are being followed—and whether they are actually working. What Is Compliance Monitoring? In today’s heightened regulatory environment, compliance […]
Author: Dan Brecher
When Are New Jersey Business Owners Personally Liable for Corporate Debt?
New Jersey personal guaranty liability is a critical issue for business owners who regularly sign contracts on behalf of their companies. A recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision provides valuable guidance on when a business owner can be held personally responsible for a company’s debt. Under the Court’s decision in Extech Building Materials, Inc. v. […]
Author: Charles H. Friedrich
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.