Labor Committee holds public hearing on Rep. Stephanie McClintock’s teenage workforce bill
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Labor Committee holds public hearing on Rep. Stephanie McClintock’s teenage workforce bill
A bill from Rep. Stephanie McClintock that would give teenagers the right to work more hours while they are still in high school took the first step toward becoming law this week.
House Bill 1121, which would allow 16—or 17-year-old minors to work the same number and frequency of hours during the school year as would be permitted during summer, school vacations, or holidays if they meet certain requirements, received a public hearing in the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee on Tuesday.
“Washington needs more trade workers in the workforce, and this legislation would be one way to address that need,” said McClintock, R-Vancouver. “This bill would encourage kids to think creatively and independently and allow them to get work experience for their future careers. That could be the difference in whether they become a successful part of the workforce after they graduate.”
If the bill were to become law, a student would have to be enrolled in an approved career and technical education program and perform the work for an employer approved by the program. A “career and technical education program” refers to a work-based learning program approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction or the minor’s school district. The same allowance of hours must be made for a 16—or 17-year-old enrolled in a bona fide college program, except the minor is not required to work for an approved employer.
“Many teens work while they attend school but can only work a very limited number of hours,” said McClintock. “However, some of these students are ready and prepared to work more hours, which would help them financially and offer additional on-the-job training and education. It’s a good alternative for kids who have extra time on their hands, and it would also help prepare the next generation of Washington trade workers.”
HB 1121 is schedule for a committee vote on Friday, Feb. 14, at 10:30 a.m.
