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'

us

STATE lAWS OP SPECIAL VAIUE TO WOMEN

January

1,

1950

/

U. S. DEPAETMMT OF LABOR
Maurice J. Totin, Secretary

iT.

Ci.

WOIffiN'S

BUREAU
Director

Er'ieda S. Miller,

V/ashington 25, D, C,

1>i'^^

A simple digest under a single cover of significant State laws
which have particular value for women is offered here, to meet widespread requests for such educational material hy program committees and
others.
The sutject-matter concerns wives, mothers, widows, employed women,
and individual citizens.

The material is available either in complete sets for all States
or ty separate States,

January

U, S, DBPAEIMENT OF LABOR
Maurice J. Totin, Secretary

WOMEN'S
„

^,
,
„^
Washington
25, D.

,.

.Frieda

1,

1950

BUiffiArr

S. Miller,

Director

0,

STATE LAWS OE SPECIAL YAKJS 10 WOMBH

ALABAMA

Source:
I,

1940 Code -

For vfives and mothers:

The primary obligation of the hustand to support his family (common law).
Protection of the wife's separate property from debts "by the husband
(Constitution, sec. 209).
Relief from the husband's persistent nonsupport, and from his dangerously
violent conduct toward the wife (T, 34, sec. 20).
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (T. 34, sec, lO),
II,

For widows;

Right to occupy the husband's residence rent-free until dower is assigned
(T. 34,

sec, 50),

Allowance of 1 year's support from the husband's estate during its
settlement (T. 7, sec. 664),
Allowance of personal property up to $1,000 in value (including right to
collect wages up to $300 due the husband at the time of his death)
(T, 7, sec, 665; 1947 Laws, Act 233),
Protection against disinheritance or insufficient provision by the
husband's will (T. 61, sec, 18)
Exemption from the husband's debts of his life insurance made payable to
the wife (T, 7, sec. 624),
III,

For working women:

Providing seats (title 26, sec. 337).
Prohibitory: In or about a coal mine (title 26, sec. 158),

Jamiary
U.

LABOR
Secretary

S, DEPAHTfflMD OF

Maurice J,

ToliirL,

,,

,

.

^

Washington

SIA.TE 1A\IS OF

„^

25,

,^

D.

1,

1950

WOMEN'S HJRSAU
Miller, Director

« Frieda S.
0,

SPECIAL VALUE TO W0ME3N

ARIZOHA
Source: 1939 Annotated Oode I.

For wives and mothers:

The husband's prior liability for support of his family (sees. 63-305
21-516).
V/ife's right to her earnings and those of her minor children, when living
separate and apart from her hushand (sec. 63-302).
Wife's right, when separated from her hushand and earning a living for
herself and children, to sue for and keep as her separate property damages
on account of personal injuries to her ( City of Phoenix v, Dickson 40 Ariz.
403; 12 Pac. 2d. 618).
Right of wife to relief for husband's vrillful failure to support her
(sec. 27-802).
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (sec, 63-102)^,
,

II.

For widows:

Right to remain in the family home for a prescribed period, and he allowed
a reasonable amount of support from the estate daring its settlement (sec.
38-901).
Right to the proceeds up to $10,000 of insurance on her husband's life,
free from claims of his creditors, when received by or payable to her
(sec. 24-601).
III.

For working women:

Hours of work: 8 a day, 48 a week (sec. 56-320).
Day of rest (ibid.).
Providing seats (sees. 56-301; 56-319),
Prohibitory: In or about a mine, quarry, or coal brealcer (ibid., sec, 56-319),
Other conditions: No female shall be employed in any capacity v;here
employment compels constant standing (ibid.).
Minimum wage (ibid,, sees. 56-401 to 56-413, 56-901, Industrial Commission
Orders),

January

1,

1950

WOMEN'S BUSmU
SVieda S. Miller, Director

U. S. DEPAEIlffiNT OP LABOR
Maurice J. Totin, Secretary

Washiiigton 35, D, C,

STATS LAWS OF SPECLAL VALUE TO WOMEN
ABTCANSAS

Source: 1937 Statutes (Pope's Digest) I,

Eor wives and mothers:

The primary responsibility of the husband to support his family (common law),
Remedies to enforce the husband's responsibility (l937 Statutes, sec, 3284;
1943 Laws, ch. 428).
Wife's free control and disposition of her separate property as if she
were unmarried (Constitution, art. 9, sec. 7; 1937 Statutes, sec, 7223),
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (l941 Laws, p, 66),
Earlier age of majority for females (sec, 6215),
11^

For widows:

Right to remain in the family home rent-free for a prescribed period, and
to have reasonable allowance for support during that time (sees, 82, 83,
4415, 4416).
Right to have the family home during her lifetime, free from claims of the
husband's creditors, if she has no homestead in her ovm right (Constitution,
art, 9, sec. 6; Statutes, sec, 7162),
Right to certain household goods, and to 1 year's support (sec. 84),
Right to certain allowances of personal estate (seas, 80, 86).
Ill,

For working women:

Hours of work; 8 a day (sees, 9087-9090, 9100; Session Laws 1943, Act 70),
Day of rest (ibid.).
Meal period (sees. 9100, 9102; Session Laws 1943, Acts 274 and 284),
Providing seats (sec. 9082; Session Laws, 1943, Act 284),
Prohibitory: Not to be permitted to enter any mine to work therein
(sec. 9322).

Minimum wage (women and girls) (sees. 9084, 9094 to 9100; Session Laws
1943, Act 70),

January

U. S. DEPAETtCTT OF LABOR
Maurice J. lotin, Secretary,,, ,.
„=•
n
Washi33gton 25, D.
,

STA.TE UV/S OF

1,

1950

WOMEIN'S BUREMJ
«
0,

Frieda

S, Miller,
'

Director

SPECIAL VALUE TO TOKEH
CALIF0E1TL&.

Sources: as shown I,

For wives and mothers;

The primary obligation of the hus"band to support his family (common-law
provisions; Lane v. McAlpine 115 Oal. App, 607, 610 (2 Pac, 2d. 184)»
Protection as wife's separate property of her earnings and those of her
children when she is living separate from her husband (l937 Civil Code,
,

sec, 169).

The presumption of law that whatever property is acquired "by a married
woman, through a written instrument, is her separate property (l937 Civil
Code,

sec,

164),

Age of consent to marriage,
II,

lov/er for

females (Civil Code, sec, 56),

For widows:

Allowance for support during settlement of the hus"band*s estate (l937
Probate Code, sec. 1680 ).
Right to have set off absolutely the husband's net estate up to $2,500
in value, as provided by lav; (1937 Probate Code, sees, 640-646),
III,

For working womenJ

Hours of work: 8 a day; 48 a week (Labor Code (Deering) 1937, sec, 1352;
Session Laws, 1939, ch, 1072; 1943, ch, 14; Industrial V/elfare Commission
Orders),
Meal period (Industrial 'v'/elfare Commission Order)
Rest period (industrial Welfare CoEijnission Order).
Hight work (ibid.-i.
Providing seats (Labor Code (Deering) 1937, sec. 1253, Industrial Welfare
Commission Order),
Prohibitory; l-Iay not mix alcoholic bev-erages containing distilled spirits
on premises used for the sale of alcoholic beverages, Tinless she is the
licensee or wife of any such licensee (Coneral Laws (Deering) 1937, Act 3796,
sec, 56,4),
Employment on portion of premises used for sale and service of
alcoholic beverages for consumption en premises, (for persons under 2l)
(ibid,,

sec, 56).

Lifting or carrying of heavy objects (Labor ^ode (Deering) 1937, sees. 1250,
1251, 1252; Industrial Welfare Commission Orders)
Minimum wage (Labor Code (Deering) 1937, sees, 61, 70-73, 1171-1203;
Industrial Welfare Commission Orders),
Industrial home work (l939 General Lav;s, Supp, (Deering) p, 755; Labor Code,
sees. 2650-2668; Industrial Welfare Commission Order),

f

.

I

January

U, S. DEPAETMEITO OP lABOS
Maurice J. ToMn, Secretary

1,

1950

WOI-EU'S BUEEMJ
Prieda S, Miller, Director

Washington 25, D.

C.

STATE LAWS OP SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEH
COLOEADO

Source: 1935 Statutes Annotated I,

Por vdves and mothers:

The primary obligation laid ty law on the hustand to support his family
(common lav/; a.lso sec, 83),
Admission of testimony from a wife against her hus'band in. nonsupport
proceedings (oh. 83, see* 5)»
Relief through divorce and alimony from the hus'band* s unjustified
desertion or his willful nonsupport for a year or more (ch, 55, sec, l).
Right to sue for divorce and alimony without court costs, if unahle to
pay (ch. 56, sec. 2l),
Guaranteed alimony right to wife v/hose hus'band divorced her 'because of
her insanity (ch, 56, sec. 2)o
II,

Por working women:

Hoiirs of work: 8 a day (Statutes annotated, 1935, ch, 57, sees, 112, 245;
Industrial Commission Orders),
Day of rest (ihid, ).
Meal period (industrial Commission Order Ho, 5),
Rest period (i'bid,, Ko. 2),
Providing seats (Statutes annotated 1935, ch. 97, sec. 124).
Prohi'bitorj'-: In or a'bout coal mine or coke oven (ibid,, ch, 110, sec, 98),
Minimum viage (Statutes, 1935, ch. 97, sees. 5, 236~256; Session Laws, 1937,
ch, 189; Industrial Commission Orders),
Industrial homo work (industrial Commission Order No, 2 (193B), pursuant
to 1937 Laws, ch. 189),

January

U. S. DEPAHTMENT OF LABOR
Maurice J, ToMn, Secretarj'
tfashington 25, D, 0.

S[EA.TE

1,

1950

WOMEU'S LUREAU
Frieda S, Miller, Director

lAWS OE SPECIAL VALUE TO V/OMEN

COMECIICUT

SoTirce:
I.

1930 Gen, Statutes (Revision) -

For wives and mothers*

The hushand's primary responsitility for family support sec, 5157; 1935
Supp., seco 1596c; Du^ow v. Q-ottinello . Ill Conn. 306 (l49 Atlantic 768),
II.

For widows?

Allowance of household goods and other property exempt from the husTsand's
dehts when his personal property is insufficient to satisfy creditor's
claims (sec, 4955),
III.

For working women;

Hours of work: 8 a day, 48 a week; (l943 Supplement to General Statutes,
first special session 1943, H. B. No. 4-x, General Statutes
5197; Supplements 1939, sec. 1317e; 1935 Supplement to
General Statutes, sec. 1605c).
Night work (General statutes 1930, sec. 2363, 5197; 1941, sec. 701f; 1935
Supplement to General Statutes, sec. 1605c; first special session 1943,
sec, 6929, 693g;
1930, sec, 2363,

H. B. No. 4-x).
ProhihitoryS In any tavern, unless employee is wife or daughter of
proprietor (1943 Supplement to General Statutes, sec. 534g),
Industrial home work (l939 Supplement to General Statutes, ch, 131,
sec, 836e),
Providing seats (General Statutes 1930, sec. 5212).

January

U= S. DEPAETIffiKP OP LABOR
Maurice J. ToMn, Secretary

1,

1950

V/OMEH'S BUESAU
Sbrieda S, Miller, Director

Washington 35, D,

G,

SEATS lAWS OF SPECIAL YAHJS TO WOMBK

DBLAVIAHE

So-orce:
I,

1935 Revised Code Por vrives and mothGrs:

The primary responsibility of the huslJand to support his family (common law).
Legal age of consent to marriage lov/er for females (Revised Code, 1935,
sec. 3491)
II,

Por v;idowsS

Allowance of personal property, including cash, and hustand's unpaid
v/ages

up to $75 (1935 Code, sees. 3838, 3876, 3845).

Ill,

Por working womenS

Hours of work; 10 a day, 55 a v;eek (Revised Code, 1935, sec. 3592),
Day of rest (ihido).
Meal period (iMd,, sec. 3594).
Night work (ihid, , sec. 3592; Session Laws, 19^43, chs. 160, 16l),
Providing seats (Revised Code, 1935, sees. 3633, 3634),

January

1,

1950

V/OMBN'S BTXRmU

U. S« DEPAP.TME1W OF lABOR
Maurice J. Toliin, Secretary

Prieda

Washington 25, D.

S.

Miller, Director

0,

STATE lAWS 01 SPECIAL VALUE TO WOfflN

PLORim
Source: 1941 Statutes I.

Por vdves and mothers J

The primary responsibility of the husband for support of his family
(common law).
Protects share in hvishand's estate by giving her right to renounce
favorable provisions in his will and accept, instead, the portion allowed
by statute when there is no will* without providing similar right to a
surviving husband (sec. 731-34),
II,

Por widows;

Right of dower in the husband's estate (sec. 731-34),
Right to an allowance for support from the estate during its settlement
(1941 Statutes, sec, 733, 20),
Rights in the family home, regardless of the husband's will or her
selection of dower (Constitution, art. 10, sees. 1-2); (Stats,, sec. 731,05,
731,27),

January

U. S. DEEAETIffiMT 0? lABOR
Maurice J. Totin, Secretary

WOIffiK'S

Prleda
Washington 25, D,

STA'TB LAWS OJ SPECIAL

1,

1950

BUREAU
Director

S, Miller,

C,

VALUS TO

WOMM

SEORG-LA

Source: 1933 Code I.

For wives and mothers:

The hustand's primary responsiMlity for support of his family (common law),
husband for maltreatment
(sec, 26-1410),
Rigjit to give testimony in actions against the

II

«

For widows:

Eight
Right
Right
Right

to
to
to
to

III,

Eor working women:

support during settlement of the estate (sees, 113-1002, 113-1004),
estate without administration in certain cases (sec. 113-903).
occupy family dwelling (sec, 31-102),
take dower if she chooses (sees* 31-101, 31-109),

Providing seats (sec, 54-401),
The law regulating hours of work— 10 a day, 60 a week
men and women.

— applies

alike to

Janiiary 1, 1950

U. S.

DEPAHTl^ffllJlT

Ifearice J, Totin,

OP lABOE
Secretary

IVieda

Washington 25, D.

WOMEN'S HJRSAU
S. Miller, Director

C.

STATE lAWS OP SPECIAL VALUS TO WOMEN

LDAEO

Source: 1932 Annotated Code ~
I.

Por wives and mothers'

Eight of support from the hueTJaad (cormnon law).
Age of majority earlier for females (sec. 31-101),

II,

Por widows:

Eight to continue in the family home, to use the household equSpment,
and to receive a reasonalDle 9,llowance for support during inventory of the
estate (sec, 15-501).
Eight to receive without further administration the property remaining
after payment of expenses for the hushand's last illness and funeral, and
necessary court costs, in small estates not over $1,500 in value, if there
are no conflicting interests (sec, 15-505),

III.

Por vrorking women:

Hours of works 9 a day (sec. 43-707),
Providing seats (sec. 43-708),

January

1950

WOMEN'S BUREA.U
Frieda S. Miller, Director

U. S. DEPARTJffim OF lABOR
Maurice J» Tobin, Secretary,

Washington 25, D.

S!EA.EE

1,

C,

lAWS OP SITHIAL VAIIIE TO ¥0MB1I

ILLIHOIS

Source: 1947 Revised Statutes I,

For wives and mothers:

The primary obligation of the hustand to support his family (common law),
Age of consent to marriage lower for females (ch. 89, sec, 3),

II,

For

xiridows*

Allowances of certain personal propsrty and
husband's estate (ch, 3, sec, 330 ).

Ill,

9

months' support from the

For working women:

Hours of work: 8 a day, 48 a week (ch. 48, sees. 5, 5a, Q.l),
Meal period (Department of Labor Minimum wage Order No, 2 (l94l).
Prohibitory: Ifenual laboi^ in or about a mine (ch. 93, sees. 27 and 129),
Municipal authorities are empowered to prohibit by ordinance em;^loyment of
women (other than a licensee or wife of licensee) as dispensers in retail
liquor establishments (ch, 43, sec. 110 ).
Minimum wage (ch. 48, sees, 238-256; Department of Labor Minimum Wage
Orders),
Industrial home vrork (ch, 48, sees. 251-260; Department of Labor minimum
wage order )

January

U, S, DEPAETI-IEMl OF LABOR
Maurice J. Totin, Secretary

Prieda

Washington 25, D.

1,

1950

WOMEN'S BUREAU
S, Miller, Director

C,

STATE LAWS OP SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEN
INDIAilA

Source: 1933 Statutes (Burn's) I,

For wives and mothers:

Right of support from the husband (common law).
Relief through divorce for husband's failure to make reasonable provision
for his family (1935 Lav/s, p. 248).

II.

For widows:

Allovrance of family support during settlement of the estate (sec. 6-703).
Right to occupy the family home and have the use of adjacent lands up to
40 acres for 1 year free of rent (sec. 6-704),
Right to personal property from the estate up to $500 value (sec, 6-711).

Ill,

For v/orking women:

Providing seats (1934 Anno, Statutes, Baldwin's, sees. 10065,
2895),
Prohibitory: Within a coal mine (ibid,, sees. 11074, 11052).
Industrial home work (sees. 10071, 10072).

10067;

sec.

January

U. S. DEPARTtfflHT OF LABOE
Maurice J, Tobin, Secretary

Frieda

Washington 25,

STATE

LAVfS OF

3).

1,

1950

WOMEN'S BUSSAU
S, Miller, Director

0,

SPECIAL VALUE TO VOMBN
lom.

Source: 1946 Code I,

Eor wives and mothers:

The primary responsihility of the hushand to support his family (common law),

II.

loT widows:

family support during settleiftent of the estate, if required (sec, 635,12).
Right to the personal property exenptcd to her hushand from creditor's
claims (sec, 635,7).
Right to the proceeds of insurance on her hushand's life payahle to her
up to $15,000, exempt from her own dehts contracted "before the hushand's death
(sec, 511,37),

III,

Por working women:

Providing seats (sec, 88.4),
Prohibitory: No female under 21 years of ag? shall he employed in any
capacity where duties compel constant atanding (sec, 92, ll).

January

U. S. DEPARTMEINT OF LABOR
Maurice J, ToMn, Secretary

1,

1950

WOMBAT'S BUEJ^^U
I'rioda S. Miller, Director

Washington 25, D.

C.

STATE IA¥S OP SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEN

KANSAS

Source: 1955 General Statutes I,

Por wives and mothers:

The husband's responsil)ility for support of his family (common law).

II,

Eor widows:

Allowance for family support up to $250, during settlement of the estate
(sees. 22-511, 23-512).

III.

lor working women:

Hours of work: 8 a day, 48 a week; 9 a day, 49-g and 54 a week (industrial
Welfare Order),
Bay of rest: 6-day week (ibid.).
Meal poriod (itid. ),
Night v;ork (itid. ),
Providing seats (soc. 44r-lll-, industrial vrelfare ordor).
Other conditions: It shall "b:) unlav/ful to employ tiromon in any industry
or occupation under conditions of lahor detrimental to their health or
v^elfare and for more hours in a day than is consonant with their health
and welfare (sec. 44-640),
Minimum wage (sees. 44-637, 44-639 to 44-650; supp. 1939, sees. 75-3401
to 75-3405).

January

U. S. DEPARTMENT OE lABOH
Maurice J. Tobin, Secretary

Frieda

Washington 25, D.

1,

1950

WOMEN'S BUREAU
S. Miller, Director

C,

STATE LAWS OE SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEN

KENTUCKY

Source:

1946 Revised Statutes -

I,

Eor wives and mothers:

The husband's rosponsihility for support of his family (common law),
Atkins V. Atkins Admr . 203 Ky. 291, 294; 262 S. W. 268.)
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (sec. 402.020-5)
'

II,

(Seo

,

Eor widows:

Allowance of personal property or cash up to $1500 from the hushand's
estate (sec, 391.030).

III.

Working women:

Hours of work: 10 a day, 60 a week (sees. 337.370, 337.380)
Minimum wage orders.
Meal period (ihid. ),
Providing seats (sec, 338.110).
Prohibitory: No female under 21 years of age shall bo employed or permitted
to work at any occupation that compels her to remain standing constantly
(sec, 339.410).
Employment by retail liquor license for duties other than as waitress,
cashier, or usher (sec. 244.100).
Minimum wage (sees. 337.210 and following).

January 1» 1950

Maurice J. ToMn. Secretary,

I'rieda S. Miller, Director

^
Washington 25, D,

^
C,

STATE lAWS OP SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEIN

LOUISIANA

Sources: as shown -

I.

For wives and mothers;

property when living
Enjoyment of her personal earnings as her separate
(Dart's),
Statutes
separate and apart from her hushand (l932 General
to make valid assignment of
^^°Writ ten' consent of wife necessary for hushand
the spouses are living together
his future earnings in wages or salary while
.
(iMd., sec. 4376).
art,, ye/.
Uoid.
females
for
,
lox^rer
marriage
for
Legal age
II,

For widows:

to have a moderate
Right to use the family residence rent-free and
Code, art. 2422;.
(Civil
period
allowance for support, during a prescribed
estate,
hushand's
the
from
Right to have an allowance during widowhood
art. 3252;.
Code,
(Civil
own
her
of
property
if she has no means of support from

Ill,

For working vxomen:

week (Session Laws 1942,
Hours of work: 8 a day, 48 a week; 9 a day, 54 a
Acts 183, 341, and 41; 1944, Act 246),
Dav of rest (ihid, )«
_,
t
-in^io
sec. 4354; Session Laws 1942,
Meal period (General Statutes (Dart), 1932,
Acts 341 and 41; 1944, Act 246).
Act 246).
Rest period (ihido, 1942, Acts 183 and 41; 1944
Statutes ^.Dart;,
General
Providing seats (1935 cumulative supplement to
,

.

^

spiritous liquors, wines,
'^""prohiMtoryfln any concert hall or saloon where

distributing of such liquors (Criminal
or malt are sold in the dispensing or
part of the mill, gearing, or
Code (Dart) 1932, sec, 1367), To clean any
Statutes (Dart; 1932,
machinery while the same is in motion (General
_

sec. 4335),

.

Minimum wage (Session Laws 1938, Act 362;.

Jamiary

1,

1950

WOMEN'S BUREAU
Frieda S, Miller, Director

U. S. DEPARTMEINT OF lABOH
Maurice J, Totin, Secretary

Washington 25, D,

C.

STATE LAWS OF SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEN

MAINE

Source:

1944 Revised Statutes -

I.

For wives and mothers!

The primary D"bligation of the hustand under the law to support his
family (common law).
Remedies to enforce this ohligation (ch. 153, sec. 43; 1947 Laws, ch. 369).
Relief through ahsolute divorce from husoand for willful nonsupport
(ch.

153,

II,

sec. 55),

For widows:

Right to occupy the hushand' s home rent-free f«r 90 days after his death
and reasonable support (ch, 143, sec, 17)a

III,

For working women:

Hours of work: 9 a day, 54 a week (ch, 25, sees. 22, 24),
Meal and rest period (ch, 25, sec. 25),
Providing seats (ch. 25, sec. 36),
Minimum wage (Session Laws, 1939, ch, 289; Order April 11, 1940),

January

U. S. DEPARTMENT OP lABOH
Maurice J, Totin, Secretary,

1,

1960

WOMEN" S BOTEAU
JPrieda S. Miller, Director

Washington 25, D,

C.

STATE lAWS OP SPECIAL VAHJE TO WOMEN
I^ARYIAND

Sources 1939 Code (Plack) I,

For wives and mothers:

The hushand is "bound "by law to support his family (common law).
(See
Parver V. Pickett . 162 Md. 10, 12 (l58 Atl. 29).),
Hustand and his property primarily lia"ble for family support (McCubMn v,
Patterson (i860), 16 Md. 179, 184).
Hushand has ownership and control of property accumulated during the
marriage hy cooperative efforts of "both spouses, unless joint ov/nership
established hy voluntary legal transaction (common law). But wife's earnings
in outside employment are her separate property "by positive statute law
(art. 45, sees. 1, 5),
Age of consent to marriage lower for females (art. 62,
II,

sec. 7),

Por widows:

Right to proceeds of insurance on the life of the hustand free of claims
of his creditors, when policy provides for payment to widow (art, 45,
sees, 8, 9),
III,

Por working women:

Hours of work: 10 a day, 60 a week (art, 100, sec, 53; Session Laws, 1943,
ch.

22).

Meal period (art. 100, sec, 53; Session Laws 1943, ch. 22).
Night work (ihid.).
Providing seats (art, 27, sec. 365),
Prohititory' In connection with any mine (other than office) (itid.
art. 89,

sec. 174),
No minor under 21 years of age to work in, atout, or in connection with,
any saloon or "barroom where intoxicating liquors are sold (i'bid, , art. 100,
sec. 23),
Industrial home work (ihid,, art 27, sees. 371-375),

January

1,

1950

WOMM»S HJSmU

U. S. DEPAETMEM! OP LABOR
Maurice J. Totin, Secretary

Frieda S, Miller, Director
Washington 25, D.

0,

STAIl lAWS OF SPECIAL VAKTE TO WOMEN

MASSACHUSBTIS

Source: 1932 General laws I.

For wives and mothers:

The hushand has the primary responsihility for family support (common law).
Age of consent to marriage lower for females (ch, 207, sec, 7),
II,

For widows:

Right to remain in the family home rent— free for a 6-month period (ch, 196,
sec.

l).

Immediate temporary allowance for necessaries, if required (ch. 196, sec, 2),
Right to a continuation of the hushand' s estate of homestead (that is, the
exemption of the family home from creditor's claims) if it existed at his
death (ch. 188, sec, 4),
III,

For working women;

Hours of v;ork: 9 a day, 48 a week (ch, 149, sec, 58, and amendments).
Meal period (ch. 149, sec, 58 and amendments),
Hig'.r': work (ch. 1-^, sees. 58, 68),
Providing seats (ch. 149, sec. 103),
Prohihitory: Persons under 21 in, ahout, or in connection with, a saloon
or barroom where alcoholic liquors are sold (ch, 149, sec. 64),
Lifting of heavy weights (ch, 149, sec. 53; Industrial Ball. No. 1.0,
sees. 28-30 (l940)).
Minimum wage (Session Laws, 1937, ch. 401; 1938, ch. 237; 1939, ch, 275;
Orders),
Industrial homework (Session Laws, 1937, ch. 429, p. 556; 1939, ch. 461,
p. 629; Industrial Bulletin No. 20 (l937).

January, 1, 1950

U. S, DEPARTMMIT OF lABOR
Maurice J, Totin, Secretary

W0MB1I»S BUHEAU

Frieda
Washington

25, D.

S, Miller,

Director

C,

STATE LAWS OP SPECIAL VALUE 20 WOMEN

MICHIGAH
Source: 1929 Compiled Laws and Siajiplements I,

For wives and mothers:

The primary duty of the hushand to support his family (coramon law).
Admission of the wife's testimony without consent of the husband in
desertion and nonsupport cases (sec, 17115~166).
Wife's freedom in disposing of her property hy will without regard to
provision for her husband (Constitution, article XVI, sec, 8, Coup. Laws,
sees 13057 13478),
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (sees. 12690, 12704,
12717).
Pi-otects wife's dower (or its su.bstitute) v;hen the htisbnnd conveys his
lands by his sole deed or mortgage, without providing a similar protection
to the husband as to his wife's property (sec. 13072),
,

II,

For widows:

One year's residence, rent-free, in husband's home; also 1 year's support
from the estate, and an allowance up to $200 value in house furnishings and
personal property (sees. 13090, 15726; 1939 Laws, Act 288),
Eight to select, according to the resulting best advantage to her, (l) the
provision for her by the husband's will, (2) her legal share of his estate,
or (3) her dov/er (if she is entitled to dower) (l935 Supp,, sec, 13085),
Inheritance advantage in cases provided for by statute (sec, 15726),
III,

For working women:

Hours of work! 9 a day, 54 a week (sec, 8324; department of labor and
industry, regulations affecting emplojTnent of females and minors).
Meal and rest period,
(The granting of definite rest periods of 15
minutes' duration, morning and afternoon or on s^^rijig shifts, etc, is a
recommendation of the State labor department).
Lifting or carrying.
(The department of labor and industry, regulations
on employment of women) •
Equal pay (Public Acts, 1931, Act 328, sec. 556, reenacting Act 239 of
Public Acts of 1919).
Industrial home work (sec, 8337),

January

U, S. DEPARTMSI'T OF lABOR
Maurice J. To^bin, Secretary;

Frieda

Washington 25, D,

1,

1950

WOMEN'S BUREAU
S. Miller, Director

C.

STATE LAWS OF SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEN
MIIilNESOTA

Source: 1945 Statutes I,

For wives and mothers

The hus^band's responsibility to support his family (common law. See
Kesanke v. Kesanke , 137 Minn. 115; 163 II. W. 1060 ).
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (sees. 517,02; 517,08),

II.

For widovrs!

Right to receive free of claims of estate creditors, proceeds of insurance
on the huslDand's life, up to $10,000 (sec. 550,37).

Ill,

For working women:

Hours of work; 54 a week (sec. 181.18).
Providing seats (sees. 182.44, 182,29),
Prohibitory: No girl under 21, as messenger for a telegraph or messenger
company (sec. 181.41); placing cores into ovens or in taking cores out of
ovens (sec. 183.24); oil or clean moving machinery (sec. 182.09),
Lifting of heavy weights (sec, 183.25),
Mininum wage (sees. 177.01 - 177.19). Orders.

January

U. S. DEPARTl-IENT OP lABOR
Maurice J. Totin, Secretary

1,

1950

VOMEIT'S BUEIilAU

Frieda S. Miller, Director
Wasliington 25, D. C,

STATE LAWS OF SPECIAL TALUS 10 VOMEIT

MISSISSIPPI

Source: 1942 Code Annotated I,

Por wives and mothers;

The primary obligation of the hustand under the law to support his
fanilj' (comnon lav/),

II,

JFor

widows:

A full year's support from the hustand'

s estate (sec. 56l),
Exclusive right during v/idowhood to the "benefits frou the honostcad and
personal property exenpted to the hushand fron his creditors (sees. 478,

552,

561),

Jan\iary 1,

S. DEPAETMEINT OF lABOR
Maurice J. Tobin, Secretary

U.

Stieda

Washington 25, D.

STATE lAWS

OS"

1950

TOMEN'S BUREAU
S. Miller, Director

C.

SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEN
MISSOimi

Source: 1939 Revised Statutes I,

For wives and mothers:

The responsi"bility of the hustand for support of his family (comon law),
II.

For widows:

Right to occupy the fanily hone during widowhood (sec. 612).
Right to receive, free of clains of creditors against the estate, proceeds
of insurance on the life of the hushand for her "benefit, to the anount
purchasable "by $500 annual premiuns (sees. 5847-5850),
III.

For unmarried wonen:

Right to receive insurance to the anount covered "by annual preniuns up to
$500 issued for her "benefit on the life of her father or "brother, free of
creditor's clains against the deceased person (sees. 5847-5850).
IV.

For working wonen:

Hours of woi'k: 9 a day, 54 a week (Session Laws, 1913, p. 400).
Providing seats (sec. 10193).
Prohi"bitory: To enter any nine to work therein (sec. 14831); to clean any
part of the mill, gearing, or machinery while it is in notion (sec. 10184);
to work "between the fixed and traversing parts of any machine in notion "by
the action of any mechanical power excei)t the nachine she is operating (idem).
Industrial hone v/ork (ch. 68, sees. 10236-10237),

January

U. S, DEPARTMENT OF lABOR
Maurice J, Totin, Secretary

Frieda
Washington 25, D.

1,

1950

WOMEN'S BUREAU
S, Miller, Director

C.

STATS LAWS OP SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEN

MONTANA

Source: 1935 Revised Codes I,

Eor wives and mothers:

The husband's responsi'bility for support of his family (sec, 5784),
Right of wife to sue for divorce \irithout court costs, on proof of her
inability to pay (sec, 5780 ),
Relief through divorce or separate maintenance for the husband's willful
neglect (sec. 5747).
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (sec. 5696),
Age of majority earlier for females (sec. 5673),
Wife's dovrer (or its substitute) protected when husband conveys his lands
by his sole deed or mortgage, without providing a similar protection to
husband as to his wife's property (sec, 5813),

II,

For widows:

Right to remain in possession of the family home and the household
furniture, and to have reasonable support from the estate, until inventory
of the estate is completed (sec, 10144),
Right to receive absolutely the whole of an estate valued at not more
than $1,500, subject only to payment of expenses of husband's last illness,
f\ineral, and administrs-tion of the estate (sec. 10149),
Right to dower in the husband's lands (sec. 5813),

III.

For working women:

Providing seats (sec. 3077),
Equal pay (sees. 3090-'309l),

January

1,

¥0KE1T«S HJREAU

U. S. DEPARTMEITT OF lABOR
Maurice J. ToMn, Secretary

Frieda
Washington 25, D.

S.

Miller, Director

C.

STATE LAWS OF SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEN

NEBBASKA

Sourest 1943 Revised Statutes I,

For wives and mothers

J

Hushand's obligation to support his family (common law).
Belief through divorce for the husband's willful failure to provide
suitable maintenance for her (sec. 43-302).
Admission of wife's testimony against her husband in an abandonment
suit (sec. 25-1203).

II,

1950

For working women:

Hours of work: 9 a day, 54 a week (sec, 48-205),
Providing seats (sec. 48-203),

January

U. S. DEPARTMMT OF lABOR
Maurice J. To"bin, Secretary

1,

1950

VJOMEN'S BUREAU
Frieda S, Miller, Director

Washington 25, D,

0,

STATE lAWS OP SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEN
NEVADA,

Source: 1929 Compiled Laws (Hillyer's) I,

For v/ives and mothers:

Kushand's primary responsihility for support of his vdfe (sec, 3376),
Ri^t to hold as her separate propertjr the earnings of herself and her
minor children v/hen living separate and apart from her hushand (sec, 3368),
Legal age of consent to marriage lov/er for females (sec, 4051 ),
Age of majority earlier for famalss (sec, 300 ).
.

II.

For widows;

Right to remain in possession of the family home and household furnishings
during settlement of the hushand's estate, and to receive a reasonable
support allowance for that period (sec, 9699),
Right to receive the personal property and the family hone declared hy
law to he free of claims from creditors of the estate (sec. 9700 ),

III.

Per working women:

Hours of work: 8 a day, 48 a week (l941 Supplement to Compiled Lav/s,
sec. 2825,46; Session Laws, 1943, chs. 75 and 88).
Day of rest (ihid, ),
Meal period (1941 Supplement to Compiled Laws, sec. 2825.47).
Providing seats (sec. 2791 ).
Minimum wage (women and girls) (Session Laws 1937, ch, 207; 1939, ch, 78).

January

U. S, DEPAETMBNT OF LABOR
Maurice J. ToMn, Secretary,

Prie^a
Washington 25, D,

1950

WOMEK'S BUPJIAU
S, Miller, Director

C.

STATE lAWS OP SPEGIAL VAUJE TO
EEV/

1»

V:01

EN

HAMPSHIRE

Source; 1942 Revised Laws I.

Tor wives and mothers:

The primary obligation of the hus^band to support his family (common law),
Relief from the husliand's desertion and failure to provide for her
support (ch. 339, sec. 6),
Age of consent to marriage lower for females (ch, 338, sees. 4 to 7),

II,

Eor widows:

Right to occupy the family homa rent free and to have reasonahle support
for a prescrihed period after her husband's death (ch, 359, sec, 2).

Ill,

For working women:

Hours of work: 10 a day, 48 a week; lOi, 54 (ch. 212, sees* 4-7;
Session Laws, 1943, chs. 31 and 7l),
Day of rest (ch, 212, sees. 36-39; Session Laws 1943, ch, 7l).
Night work (ch. 212, sees. 3, 4, 7; Session Lav/s, 1943, chs. 31 and 7l),
Providing seats (ch. 215, sees. 1 and 4),
Minimum wage (Session Laws, 1933, ch, 87; Department of labor, orders).

January
s. depahtmsnt of la^or
Maurice J, ToMn, Secretary

IT.

Frieda

Washington 25, D,

STATE

UWS

1950

womsn^s wTimj
S. Miller, Director

C.

07 SPIJOIAL VALUE TO
ast?

1,

WOI'ffiN

JISSET

Source: 1937 Revised Statutes I.

For wives and mothers!

The hushand has the ref^ponsil^ility to support his family (common law),
(See Rich v. Eidi_, 12 H. J. Misc. 310, 315; 171 Atl. 515).
If a married woman offers to testify against her husband in a criminal
action in which she is the complaining party, she may do so (sec, 2i 97-4),
II,

Por vridows:

The right to have exempt personal property up to $200 value set aside
for herself and family (sec, 3: 9-7),
If prohate of the husband's will is contested the widow may have support
for herself and children from the income of the estate, as the court directs
(sec. 3: 2-29).
The right to receive unpaid wages due her husband at the time of his
death up to $75 without formal administration (sec. 34: 11-30).
Right to have continued to her during her occupancy of the family homej
the exemption of property from creditor's claims allowed her husband in his
lifetime (sec. 2: 26-111),
III,

For working women:

Hours of work: 10 a day, 54 a week (sec, 34: 2-24),
Day of rest (ibid.).
Night vjork (1941-43 Cumulative SuppJ-ement to Revised Statutes, sec. 34:
2-28).
.Providing seats (sec. 34: 2-29).
Prohibitory; In the manufacture of nitro and amido compounds (exemption
of office, works hospital, or welfare room or building. Department of Labor,
Safety standards for the manufacture of nitro and amido compounds, sec. 9 (h)
1917; handle any dry substance or dry compo\i.nd containing lead in any form
in excess of 2 percent (ibid.. Safety standards for lead corroders and
oxidizers, sec. 2, 1917),
Minimum wage (sees. 34: 1-1, 34: 11-35 to 46, 34: 11-48, 34: 11-53 to 56;
Session Laws 1941, ch. 321, Oraors).
Industrial homework (Session Laws, 1941, ch. 308. Minimum wage orders).

January
U. S. DEPAKEI4ENT OP lABOR
Maurice J. Totin, Secretary

Frieda

Washington 25, D.

1,

1950

WOMEN'S BUREAU
S, Miller, Director

C,

STATE LAWS OF SPECIAL VAIOE TO WOMEN
IIEW

MEXICO

Source; 1941 Statutes Annotated I,

For wives and mothers:

The husband's primary responsibility to support his family (common law).
Relief through divorce for the husband's neglect to support her according
to his ability, means, and social position (sec. 25-701),
Property conveyed to a married v/oman by written instrument is considered
her own separate property until proved otherwise (sec. 65-401). But
property conveyed to the husband in his name will be considered community
property unless proved otherwise. (See Fidel v. Tenner, 35 N, M, 45, 47;
289 Pac. 803).
Remedies provided for the wife to enforce the husband's legal obligation
of family support (sees. 25-706; 65-203, 204),
Legal age of consent to marria-ge lov/er for females (sec, 65-105),
,

II,

.For widows!

Support allowance over a 6-month period (sec, 33-401),
Right to receive the personal property which the law exempts from claims
of creditors to the head of the family (sec, 31-111),
III,

For unmarried women:

Specific exemption from creditor's claims of clothing up to $150 in value,
1 sewing machine, 1 knitting machine, 1 piano or organ (to a music teacher),
and books up to $50 in value (sec, 21-502),
IV,

For working women:

Hours of work: 8 a day, 48 a week (sees. 57-401, 57-404, 57«405, 57-407),
Meal period (sees. 57-401, 57-404),
Providing seats (sec. 57-410).
Prohibitory: Girls under 21 as messenger for telegraph, telephone, or
messenger company (exemption permit may be granted during war emergency),
(Session Laws, 1943, ch, 112),

January

1,

1950

WOMEN'S BUEEAU
Frieda S, Miller, Director

U. S. DEPARTMENT OP lABOE
Maurice J, ToMn, Secretary

Washington 25, D.

C,

STATE lAVS OP SPEOIAX VALUE TO WOMEN

NEW YOEK

Sources t as shown 1,

For wives and mothers;

The husljand's primary legal obligation to suj^ort his family (commonlaw rule).
Security for support required from the hushand for the wife when he
annuls the marriage "because of her insanity (Cahill's Consolidated Lav;s,
1930, ch. 14, sec. 7; Suppl., 1936, ch. 14, sec. 7-a).
Right to protection throu^ legal separation when the hustand neglects
or refuses proper support (Civil Practice Act, sec. 116l),
Age of consent to marriage lower for females (Cahill's Consolidated Laws,
1930, ch. 14, sec. 15; Suppl., 1931-35, ch. 14, sec. 15).
II.

For widows:

Right of the widow to occupy rent-free for a 40-day period her hushend's
dwelling; also, to have her living expenses for that period from the estate
(Cahill's Consolidated Laws, 1930, ch. 51, sec. 204),
Continuance of the husband's homestead exemption to his widow for her
lifetime (Civil Practice Act, sec. 674),
III,

Eor working women;

Hours of work: 8 a day, 48 a week (Consolidated laws (Cahill), 1930,
sec, 173; Cumulative Supplement, 1931-35, ch. 32, sec. 172; Session

ch. 32,

Laws: 1937, chs. 281, 282, 283, 660; 1938, ch. 651; 1939, ch. 499; 1940, ch.
216; 1941, ch. 33; 1942, chs, 778, 554 (art, 8); 1943, chs, 171 and 315;
1944, ch, 412).
(Cahill), 1930, ch. 32, sec, 172, sec, 172
.Wight work, (Consolidated Laws
,
(2); fessiSSTaws: 19377 chs, 281, 282, 283; 1938, ch. 651; 1939, ch. 499;
1940, ch, 216; 1942, ch, 778),
Providing seats (Consolidated Code (Cahill), 1930, ch, 32, sees. 2, 150),
Jrohihitory: In or in connection with a mine or quarry (ihid. , ch, 32a
sec, 146 (e) ); conductors or guards on any type of railroad (for females
under 2l) (ihid,, sec, 146 (9) ); messenger for telegraph or messenger
company (for females under 21 ) (ihid,, sec, 146 (lO) ),
Lifting or carrying heavy weights (ibid,, ch, 32, sees, 383, 146 (7),
147; Session Laws, 1938, ch. 657; department of labor, Industrial Code,
rule Ho. 10 (l942).
Equal pay (Session Laws, 1944, ch. 793),

January

1,

1950

WOMEN'S BURmU
Prleda S, Miller, Director

U» S. DEPARTMSNT OF lABOR
Maurice J. loMn, Secretary,

Washington 25, D,

0,

STATE lAWS OP SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEN

NORTH CAROLINA
SourceJ 1943 General Statutes I.

For wives and mothers:

The hushand is hound to support his family (common law),
is admitted against the husband in criminal prosecutions
for his desertion, nonsupport, or assault and "battery (sec. 8-57),
The power to defeat hy her will her husband's curtesy right in her
separately owned property (Constitution, art, 10, sec, 6) (sec. SSt-l),

A wife's testimony

II,

For widows:

One year's support (up to $5G0) from the husband's personal estate, when
his will fails to provide sufficiently for his widow (sec. 30-15).
The right to reject the husband's will and take instead the portion given
her by law, if more advantageous to her (sec, 30-S),
The advantage she enjoys in her dower right as compared with the
husband's curtesy right (sees, 30-3, 30-6),
Right to proceeds of insurance on the husband's life free from claims
of his creditors or heirs, when payable to the widow (Constitution, art* 10,
sec, ?),

Right to use any income of her husband's home during her widowhood free
of creditor's claims, unless she has a home of her own (Constitution, art,
10, sec, 5),
III,

For working women:

Hours of work: 9, 10, 11 a day, and 48 to 55 a week, according to
industry (sees. 95-17, 95-26, 95-27).
Day of rest (sec, 95-17).
Meal period (sec. 95-27).
Providing seats (sec. 95-29),

January

U. S. DEPAETMEM OF lABOR
Maurice J. Tobin, Secretary

WOKEHT'S

Trleda

S.

1,

1950

BUEmU

Miller, Director

Washington 25, 2, 0»

STATE LAWS

m

SPECIAL TALUE TO WOMEN
IvQROH

MECTA

Source: 1943 Revised Code I,

For wives and mothers:

The hus'band' s primary o"bligation to support his family (Common law).
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (sec. 14-0302).
Age of majority earlier for females (sees, 14r-1001, 14-1002).
II.

Por widows:

ReasonalDle allowance for family support during settlement of the estate,
as the court finds necessary (sec. 30-1610),
III.

For working women:

Hours of work: 8-g, 9 a day, and 48, 54, 58 a week according to industry,
(Session Laws, 1939, ch. 153; 1943, ch. 222).
Minimum wage department (orders Nos, 1, 3),
Day of rest (Session Laws, 1939, ch. 153; 1943, ch. 222).
Meal period (minimom wage department orders).
Night work (ihid.).
Providing seats (ihid*)i
Minimum wage (Supplement to Compiled Laws, 1913-25, sees, 3961)3, 396'b6-396b9,
3961)11-3961316; Session Laws, 1935, ch, 162; orders).

January
U. S. DEPAETMENT OF lABOR
Maurice J, ToMn, Secretary

1,

1950

WOMEN* S BUREAU
rrieda, S, Miller, Director

V/ashington 25, D, C.

STATE LAWS OP SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEN

OHIO
Source: 1940 Code (Baldwin's) I.

For wives and mothers:

The hus'band's primary obligation under the law to support his family
(sec. 7997).
Age of consent to marriage is lower for females (sees, 11181, 11131-1
as amended).
II,

For widows:

Right to occupy the hustand's home, and to have the benefit of its
exemption from creditor's claims (sec, 11733),
Right to 1 year's support from the husband's estate during its settlement (sec. 10509-74),
Exemption from claims of creditors or heirs of the husband on life
insurance proceeds payable to the wife (sec. 9397, 9398).
Allov/ance in lieu of homestead in certain cases (sec. 11733).
III.

For unmarried women:

Certain property exemptions up to $500 value, if unmarried woman is
responsible for support of a minor relative (sec. 11733).
IV.

For working women:

Hours of work: 8 a day, 45 a week (Session laws, 1941, H, B, 351, S, B,
1943, S. B. 126, and H. B, 31l),
Day of rest (idem).
Moal period (Sode, Throckmorton, 1940, sec. 1008; Session Laws: 1941,

135;

H. B. 351,

S. B.

135;

1943, S. B. 126).

Night work (Code, Throckmorton, 1940, sec. 1008-1, 12993; Session Laws
1943, S. B. 126, H. B. 31l).
Providing seats (Code, Throckmorton, 1940, sec, 1008),
Prohibitory: Baggage handling; barroom and saloons or public drinking
places which cater to male customers only and in which substitutes for
intoxicating liquors are sold.
Blast furnaces: "Mines; quarries, or smelters (executive office)";
bowling alleys; delivery service; freight handling, operating freight or
baggage elevators; pool rooms; shoe-shining parlors; metal molder. 1/
Lifting or carrying heavy weights (ibid., sec. 1008-1; Session Laws, 1943,
S. B.

126).

Minimum wage (Code. Throckmorton, 1943, sees, 154f-45d to 154-45t),
1/ During the war emergency, only these are code (Throckmorton), 1940,
sec. 1008-1, 12993; Session Laws 1943, S, B, 126,

January
U. S. DEPAETKBNT OP lABOR
Maurice J. ToMn, Secretary,

1,

1950

WOMEN'S BUBEAU
Prieda S, Miller, Director

Washington 25, D,

C,

STATE lAWS OP SPECIAL VAIHE TO

WOMElir

OREGON

Source: 1940 Compiled laws I.

Por wives and mothers:

The hus^band is primarily liable for support of his family (common law).
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (sec, 63-101),
II,

Por widows:

fhe right to remain in the family home for 1 year rent-free and to have
reasonable support from the estate during its settlement (sec. 17-118),
The right to have set apart to her the necessary household goods and
supplies, whether or not she accepts the terms of her husband's will; also
support for herself and children until the estate inventory is made
(sees. 19-601, 19-603),
The right to receive the net proceeds of certain small estates without
prolonged administration (sec, 19-604),
III,

Por working women:

Hours of work (various regulations) (wage and hour commission orders)
(sec. 102-323).
Day of rest (ibid,).
Rest period (ibid.).
Providing seats (sec. 102-324; wage and hour commission orders).
Lifting or carrying heavy weiglits (ibid,, No, 18, 1942).
Minimum wage (sees. 103-302, 102-304 to 320; Session Laws, 1941, ch, 10;
wage and hour commission orders).

January

1,

1950

WOMEU'S BUHEAJJ
Frieda S, Miller, Director

U. S, DEPAilTMENT OF lABOR
Maurice J, ToMn, Secretary,

Washington 25, D. 0.

STATE IAW3 OF

SPEOUL VAIUE TO 70MEK

PENIISYLVAITLA.

Source: 1936 Statutes (Purdoa's) I,

For vdves and mothers:

The primary legal duty of the husband to support his family (common law;
also Title 48, sec. 116),
Remedies given to compel this support.
Safeguards against the claims of a deserting or profligate husband to his
wife's earnings and property (Title 48, sees. 42, 44).
Relief from the malicious abuse and cruelties of a bratish husband
(Title 23, sec. ll).
II.

For widows:

Exemption of certain insurance proceeds from the husband's debts (Title 40,
sec, 517).

Allowance of $500 from the husband's estate (Title 20, sees. 471, 477).
Authority to collect without caurt procedure up to $150 of wages due her
husband at the time of his death (Title 20, sec. 867).
III.

For working women:

Hours of work: 8 a day, 44 a week (Session Laws, 1937, Act 322; 1943,
Act 183; department of labor and industry; regulations governing the hours
provision of the woman's law, 1942),
Day of rest (ibid.).
Meal period (Session Lav/s, 1943, Act 183; department of labor and industry;
regulations affecting employment of women, 1943),
Night work (Session laws, 1943, Act 183, Statutes, title 43, sec. 47).
Providing seats (Statutes, title 43, sec. 108; department of labor and
industry. Regulations affecting women (l943) ).
Prohibitory: Reading^ testing meters; messenger for railroads in calling
train crews; crane operator; welding and cutting; on railroad tracks and
at tracking; maintaining fires in hand-fired boiler furnaces (department of
labor and industry, regulations affecting employment of women, 1943); in or
about a mine (Statutes, title 52, sec. 32).
Minimum wage (Session Laws, 1937, Act. 248; department of labor and industry^
order No, 2 (replaces No, l).

January

U. S; DEPAMIfflT 01" LAJOR
Maurice J. To"bxn, Secretary,

1,

1950

UOKEKT'S BUBEA.U

Prieda

Washington 25, D,

S,

Miller, Director

0.

SU-T^ lAWS OP SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEN

RHODE ISIAHD

Source: 1938 General Laws I,

For wives and mothers:

The husband's primary responsibility for family support (common lav;').
Relief by divorce for husband's failure to provide necessaries for his
wife (ch. 416, sees. 1, 2, 3, 8).
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (ch, 415, sec, ll).
II,

For widows:

The right to have the use of necessary household ecjuipment and supplies
(ch. 577,

sees.

6,

7).

The right to an allowance for support for a period up to 1 year during
settlement of the estate (1926 Session Laws, p, 233),
The right to use of a portion of the husband's lands in addition to dov;er,
under specified conditions (ch. 577, sec, 9),
III,

For working women:

Hours of v7ork: 9 a day, 48 a week
4 and 6),
Meal period (ibid,, ch. 1377).
Providing seats (ibid,, ch. 1313,
Minimum wage (General Laws, 1938,
minimum wage orders).
Industrial homework (General Laws,
orders )

(Session Laws, 1943, ch, 1312, sees,

sec, l).
ch, 289; Session Laws,

1941,

ch,

1065;

1938, ch, 293; mandatory minimum v/age

January

U. S. DEPARTMENT OE LA.BOR
Maurice J, ToMn, Secretary

1,

1950

WOMSIT'S BUHEAU

Erieda

Washington 25, D.

S,

Miller, Director

C,

STATE lAWS OE SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEN
SOUTH CAEOLim

Source: 1942 Code I,

Eor wives and mothers:

The husband's primary responsibility^ for support of his wife and
children (sec. 256-45),
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (sec. 8558),
Wife's dower (or its substitute) protected when hiisband conveys his lands
by his sole deed or mortgage, without providing a similar protection to the
husband as to his wife's property, (See Bomar v, Wilkin (l9S0), 154 S, C,
64,

68,

Ill,

151, S, E. 110) (sec, 858'6-B590).

Eor working women:

Day of rest (sees, 1735-1, 1735-2; Session Laws 1942, Act 708, 709).
Night work (sees, 7033-5, 7033-6).
Providing seats (ibid., sec, 7032).

January

U. S, DEPAETMENT 01 LABOR
Maurice J, Totin, Secretary,
'

1,

1950

WOMEN'S HJREAU
Frieda S. Miller, Director

Washington 25, D.

0,

STATE LAWS OT SPECL/LL VALUE TO WOMEW
SOUTH DAKOTA

Source: 1939 Code I.

For wives and mothers:

The husband's primary legal obligation to support his family (sec, 14.0209),
Right to hold as separate property earnings and accumulations of self and
minor children in her custody, while living separate from her hushand
(sec. 14.0206).
Legal age of consent to marriage lowgr for females (sec, 14,0109),
Age of maijority earlier for females (sec, 43»010l).

II.

For widows:

Right to receive in specified cases the entire personal estate of the
hushand after payment of expenses for his last illness and funeral, also the
costs of administering the estate (sec, 35.1303),

III,

For working women:

Hours of work: 10 a day, 54 a week (sec, 17,0601; Session Laws 1943,
ch, 151),
Providing seats (sec, 17.0606),
Minimum wage (women and girls) (sees, 17.0607 to 17,0608, 17.9901;
Session Laws, 1943, ch. 76).

January

U. S. DEPAETME17T OP LABOR
Maurice J. ToMn, Secretary.

'.TOKSK'S

Frieda
Washington 25, D,

1,

1950

BUREAU
Director

S, Miller,

C.

STATE LAWS 03 SPECIAI VAimi TO

WOMEN

TEJfflSSSEE

Source: 1934 Code I,

Por vdves and mothers:

The hushand' s responsiMlity for support of his family (common law).
Remedy of separation or divorce on the ground of the hushend's ahandonment and refusal or neglect to jflfcvido for her (sec. 8427),

II,

For widows:

Exemption of proceeds of insurance on the hushand's life from creditors'
claims, when the insurance was issued for "benefit of the v/idow, or for the
widow and children (sees. 8456-8458),
Right to have for her lifetime the enjoyment of the family home and its
income free from claims of the husband's creditors, where the exemption
existed in the husband's right at his death (sec. 7728),
Right to receive for herself and children whatever property is exempt to
her husband at his death from claims of creditors (sec, 8234).

III.

Eor working women*

Hours of work: 10| a day, 57 a week (Code,
Laws 1943, ch, 151 ),
Providing seats (Code, 1932, sec, 5307).

1932,

sees. 5322-5324: Session

January

U, S. DEPARTMENT OP lABOR
Maurice J, loMn, Secretary,

WDKEJIST^S

Frieda

Vashington 25, D,

1,

1950

BUEEAU
Director

S, Miller,

C,

STATE LAWS 01 SPECIAL VAiaE TO WOMEN
IE2AS

Source: 1936 Statutes (Vemon's) I.

Tor wives and mothers:

Husband's primary responsibility to support his family (common law),
Iiegal age of consent to marriage lower for females (art, 4605).

II.

for widows:

Ri^t to have 1 year's support from the husband's estate, in specified
cases (arts. 3476-3478).
Right to receive all of the property of the husband's estate which is
exempt by law from creditors' claims, when the estate cannot pay its debts.
This includes the family home, clothing, house furnishings, and certain
personal articles (arts. 3485, 3494, 3832, and 3833),
III,

Tor unmarried women:

Daughters remaining in the household of the deceased father have the same
right to his exempt property as that described for widows in their husband's
property,
(See last preceding item),

IV,

Por working women:

Hours of work: 9 a day^ 54 a week (Session laws, 1943, di.
Providing seats (ibid,).

68.),

January 1, 1950

U.

S.

DEPAETMEITT OP lABOR

Maurice J.

To"bin,

WOI'ffiJT'S

Secretary

Frieda
Washington 25, D.

BUEEA.U

S. Miller,

Director

C.

STATE lAWS 01 SPECIAL VAIOT! TO

WOMEI^I

UTAH

Sotirce:
I.

1943 Annotated Code -

For wives and mothersJ

The primary duty of the husliand under the law to support his family
(sec. 40-4-1).
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (Revised Statutes,
sec. 40-1-2, sulDsec. 4),
Protacts wife's dower (or its substitute) v;heu husband conveys his lands
"by his sole deed or inortgage, without providing a similar protection to
husband as to his wife's property (l03."4-3).
II.

Eor widows!

The protection against disinheritance, injustice, or improvidence under
the husband's will, in the widow's right to choose between the provision of
the will and that of the law, whichever is best for her (sees. 101-4-3,
101-4-4).
Ill,

For any woman:

The exemption from jury duty if she has the active care of minor children
(sees. 48-0-10, 11).
Earlier age of majority for females (sec, 14-1-1).
IV,

For working women:

Hours of work 8 a day, 48 a week (sec. 49-4-3).
Day of rest (industrial commission, minimum wage orders).
Meal and rest periods (Standards for women and children in industry
(l937); industrial commission orders).
Providing seats (sec. 49-4t-2),
Lifting or carrying of heavy v/eights (industrial commission, standards
for women and children in industry (1937).
Prohibitory: Employment in mine or smelter,
(sec. 49-4-1),
Minimum wage (sees, 42-1-1, 103-1-16, Session laws; industrial commission
orders).

January

U. S.

DEPAEPMMT OP LABOR

Maurice J.

ToTDin,

Secretary

Frieda

Washington 25, D.

1,

1950

WOMEN'S BUHEAU
S, Miller, Director

0,

STATE LAWS OE SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEN

VERMOm
Source: 1947 Statutes (Revised) I,

Eor v;ives and mothers:

The hustand' s primary responsi"bility for family support (common law).
Remedy through divorce against the hustand' s fai lure to support her
(sec. 3205).
Right to testify against the husband in protection of her "bank deposits
(sec. 8783).
legal age of consent to marriage lower for females,
(sees. 21, 413l).
II.

Eor viidows:

Right to alloxirance of reasonahle support from the hushand' s estate during
its settlement (sec. 3021).
Right to occupy the family home until her porti on of the estate is
available to her or receive one-third of the estate income (sees. 3027, 3036),
Right to receive without administration the husband's property if not
over $300 in value (sec. 3026).
III.

Eor working women:

Hours of work: 9 a day, 50 a week (Code, 1933, sec. 6598; Session Laws,
1943, Act 130).
Providing seats (Code, 1933, sec. 8648).

January

U. S. DEPARTMENT OP lABOR
Maurice J. Totin, Secretary

WOMEI'S

1950

HJRmU

TrlecLa S. Miller, Director

Washin^on

STATE

1,

UWS

25, D.

C,

OE SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEtT

VIRGINIA

Source: 1942 Code Annotated I.

For vjives and mothers:

The husband must support his wife in keeping with his circumstances and
her needs (Hall v. Stewart (1923); 135 Va. 364, 389; 116 S. E. 469; Mihalcoe
V. Holub (1921), 130 Var 425, 439, 107 S, S. 704).
II,

Eor widows:

Hi^t to receive the personal property from the hushand's estate which is
exempt "by law from claims of his creditors (sees. 6552, 6562),
Right to occupy the hushand's home free of charge, and to receive onethird of the income from any other real estate, until her dower is made
availa^ble to her (sec. 5124),
Right to enjoy the husTsand's home, or the $2,000 allov/ance in its stead,
during her lifetime or widowhood against the claims of his creditors, wheiv
she has not accepted dower or its substitute in a jointure settlement
(sees. 6533, 6538-6539).
III.

For unmarried women;

Right to receive from the father's estate his personal property which is
exempt Tjy law from claims of his creditors (sees. 6552, 6563).
IV,

For working women:

Hours of work: 9 a day, 48 a week (sec, 1308),
Night work (sec. 1808n),
Providing seats (sec. 1870 ),
Prohibitory: Employment in or around a mine or quarry (sec, 1887a),

January
U. S. DEPARTMIMT OF lABOS
Maurice 'J. Totin, Secreftarjr

1950

WOKSN'S BUREAU
Prioda S. Miller, Director
'..asMngtoix 25, D,

SCATS

1,

C,

W^m OF SPEOUL TAIUB TO WOMEN
WASHIlTaf OK

Source: 1932 Bavised S
I.

For vivos an

I

,at< .tcr,

(Eemington) -

mothers:

The hustand's pr:' jiarj-- r 3Gponsi'bilit7 to support his
family (common law).
Relief through divo.'ce for the huslDand's failiire to
support the wife
(sec. 982),
Right to keep

r.s separa ;e property her earnings and those of her minor
children with hor when she is living soparate from hsr hushand
(sec. 6895),
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (sec, 64.'37).

II.

For

wj lows:

Right to a''.lowance of clothing and necessaries for support of
herself
and family, caring settlemi.'nt of hsr husljand's estate
(sees. 1364. 1473.
1474,

1476).
Right to receive free oi' creditor's claims the proceeds of
life insurance
payahle to che wife, unless the premiums were paid to defraud
creditors
(sees. 7230-7231).
Ill,

For working women:

Hours of work: 8 a day, 48 a week.
(Statutes (Remington), 1931, sec. 7651,
Industrial Welfare Committt;e Orders).
Day of rest (ihid., Nos 23, 35-a, 37, 40, 4l),
Meal period (ihid., Nos. 23, 25, 27, SS-a, 37, 38, 39, 4l).
Night work (itid., Ho. 23),
Providing seats (ihid., sees. 7615-7517. Industrial Welfare Committee
Orders )
Frohihitory: In or ahout a mine or quarry (except in clerical or messenger
duty about the surface workings) (ibid., sec. 8B00); as bellhops
(Industrial
Welfare Committee Order Ho. 23).
Lifting of heavy weights (industrial Welfare Committee Orders— working
conditions in manufacturing or other mercantile establishments (1922)Canning (l942); Packing (l942).
Equal pay (Session Laws, 1943, ch, 254).
Minimum wage (Statutes (Remington), 1931, sees. 7623-7641, 10833, 10835,
10840, 10895; Session Laws, 1935, ch. 175.
Industrial Welfare Commission
Orders).

January

U. S, DEPAHTMENT OP IA30R
Maurice J. Totin, Secretary

1,

1950

V/OI^ffiN' S BUREAU
Frieda S, Miller, Director

Washington 25, D.

0,

STATE lAWS OF SPECIAL VALITE TO

WOMM

WEST VIRGINIA

Source:
I.

1943 Codei Annotated For drives and mothers:

The primary responsibility of the hus*bcind to support his family (common
sees. 4752, 4754).
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (sec. 4679),

lav/;

II.

For widows:

Right to the proceeds of certain insurance on the hushpjid's life, when
payahle to her, free from claims of the husband's estate or creditors,
(v/ithin amount purcha,sed "by an annual premium of $300 or less) (sec. 4753).
III.

For working women:

Meal period (department of lahor, regulations for the protection and
preservation of lives, health, and safety of women in industry, 1943),
Providing seats (Code, 1931, sec. 21-3-11).,

January
U, S. DEPAETl^aaiT OP lABOH
Maurice J. Totin, Secretary

W0I4E3J'S

Frieda

Washington 25, D.

S,

1,

1950

BURIAU

Miller, Director

C.

STATE lAWS OF SPECIAL VALUE TO WOMEN

WISCONSIN
Source:
I.

1947 Statutes -

For wives and mothers:

The responsi"bility of the hushand for support of his family (common law).
Remedies for compelling support (sec. 247,095),
Relief through separation or divorce on the ground of the husband's
willful nonsupport (sees. 247.08, 247.09),
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (sees. 245,02, 245.16).
Wife's dov/er (or its sulDstitute) protected when the hushand conveys his
lands "by his sole deed or raortgage, vdthout providing a similar protection
to the hus^band as to his wife's property (sees. 233.01, 237.02),
II,

For widows:

Allowance of clothing, provisions, fuel, house furnishings, and other
personal property from the estate to the value of $200 (sec. 313,15).
AlloLvance of family support according to estate resources and family requirements, during settlement of the estate (ihid, ),
Exemption of $5,000 from creditor's claims in insurance funds paya"ble to
her (sec, 246.09),
Widow's share in the husband's estate protected by giving her the right
to renounce unfavorable provisions in his will and accept instead the portion
allowed by statute when there is no will, without providing a similar right
to a surviving husband (sees. 233,13, 233,14, 233.23),
III,

For working women:

Hours of vjork: 9 a day, 50 a week (8, 9^, 10, and 55, 56, and 60 a week,
for various occupations) (sees. 103.01-103.02); industrial commission general
orders; special orders, canning factories (season 1944).
Meal period (sees. 103.01-103.02; industrial order No. 5, special orders
No. 12 and for canning factories (season 1944) ),
Night work (sees. 103,69 (l), 103,02; industrial commission general orders).
Providing seats (sec. 103,15),
Prohibitory: EmplojTnent in or about a mine or quarry (sec. 103,69w7);
employment in place established by court order as a disorderly house or
employed to work for any person convicted as keeper of a disorderly house;
employment of girl under 21 as bellhop in hotel; employment of girl under
21 as caddy on golf course; any employment of girls under 18 requiring
constant standing (sec. 103.69; industrial commission order 1933).
Minimum wage sees. 101.01 to 101.28, 104.01 to 104.12, 319.01. Industrial
commission order No. 1, special order (season 1942).

January

WOMM'S

S. DEPAEE-ffiNI OF lABOR
Maurice J. Tobin, Secretary

U.

1,

1950

BUEEA-U

Frieda S, Miller, Director
Washington 25, D.

0,

STATE LAWS OP SPECIAL VAIUE TO WOI^EN
WYOMIiTG

Source: .1945 Compiled Statutes I.

For wives and mothers:

The hushand is "bound to support his family (common law).
Relief through divorce for husband's contimied refusal to provide necessary
support (sec. 3-5905).
Legal age of consent to marriage lower for females (sec, 50-102).

II,

For widows:

Eeasonahle allowance for support of self, and of her minor children, as
circumstances require, during settlement of the husband's estate (sec. 6-1501).

Ill,

For working women:

Hours of work: 8 a day, 48 a week (l940 Supplement to Revised Statutes,
sec. 63-109; Session Laws, 1943, ch. 30 ).
Prohibitory: Employment in or about a coal or iron mine or in any other
dangerous place (except in office or clerical work) (Revised Statutes, 1931,
sec. 20-106).

(W, B.

50 - 266)

J;

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