The California Child Actor's Bill (also known as Coogan Act or Coogan Bill) is a law applicable to child performers, designed to safeguard a portion of their earnings for when they enter adulthood. John Leslie (Jackie) Coogan (October 26, 1914 – March 1, 1984) was an American actor who began his movie career as a child actor in silent films. ... John Leslie (Jackie) Coogan (October 26, 1914 – March 1, 1984) was an American actor who began his movie career as a child actor in silent films. ...

The original Bill was passed in 1939 by the State of California in response to the plight of Jackie Coogan who earned millions of dollars as a beloved child actor only to reach adulthood and discover that his parents had spent almost all of his money. Since then, it has been revised a few times - most recently on January 1st, 2004^[1]. Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Area  Ranked 3rd  - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 km²)  - Width 250 miles (400 km)  - Length 770 miles (1,240 km)  - % water 4. ... John Leslie (Jackie) Coogan (October 26, 1914 – March 1, 1984) was an American actor who began his movie career as a child actor in silent films. ...

"California's current law that regulates minors' entertainment contracts is codified in sections 6750-53 of the Family Code and section 2855 of the Labor Code. Even though the current law is based on the previous law, there are some differences. For example, the current law extends the scope of minors' entertainment contracts that the superior court can approve to include contracts pursuant to which a minor renders services as an 'actor, actress, dancer, musician, comedian, singer, or other performer or entertainer, or as a writer, director, producer, production executive, choreographer, composer, conductor, or designer.' Further, the superior court may approve contracts that involve the transfer of intellectual property." (Thom Hardin, "THE REGULATION OF MINORS' ENTERTAINMENT CONTRACTS: EFFECTIVE CALIFORNIA LAW OR HOLLYWOOD GRANDEUR?"1998 La Verne Law Review, Inc.)

The law requires the child's employer to set aside a portion of the child's earnings in a trust savings account.

References

1. ^ http://www.childreninfilm.com/cif_newsletter/seven.html