Looser Work Rules Favored For Teens Spokane Legislator’s Bill Would Change Approval, Authorization Rules For Hours

A revamped measure aimed at relaxing teen work rules has picked up support from business, parents and teachers.

But even though the bill is expected to win approval in the House, it faces two key skeptics: the state Department of Labor and Industries and Democratic Gov. Gary Locke.

House Bill 1911, sponsored by Spokane Republican Brad Benson, is scheduled to be heard in the House Commerce and Labor Committee today.

There, it begins a journey to the lawbooks four previous bills have failed to complete.

Benson’s bill makes three key changes:

Students working 20 hours a week would need parental approval and must notify a school administrator or guidance counselor. Currently, school authorization is also required.

Sixteen-and 17-year-old students working more than 20 hours a week would need both parental and school authorization. They would only be allowed to work eight hours a day, and no later than 11 p.m. on nights preceding school days. Currently, students need authorization from the Department of Labor and Industries.

Minors may work more than 36 hours a week under special circumstances, like being married or having children. State authorization is required.

The bill is of particular interest to farmers who like to employ teenagers during harvest.

Rep. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, has crews tending to wheat, canola and cattle on his farm but has been hiring fewer minors because of government regulations.

“I could put teenagers to work in a heartbeat with fewer restrictions,” Schoesler said. Farm workers are needed most during the summer, he said, but current laws don’t allow teens to work enough hours. Benson’s bill would allow them to work 10 hours a day and 48 hours a week when school is out.

Benson can also count on solid business backing. Dan Kirschner, Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce public affairs director, said employers would benefit from a more flexible work force.

“Employers would like to hire young students, but if they can only work until 7 p.m. and the shift goes until 10, they’re not going to hire them,” Kirschner said.

The bill should have little trouble getting to the governor’s desk. Four Democrats have signed onto the bill in the House, and Benson said others have also expressed support.

“Every year we get broader support,” said Rep. Dave Mastin, R-Walla Walla.

The measure is also supported by the state’s parent-teacher organization, a group that hasn’t always supported relaxing teen work rules.

Benson, however, concedes his bill will be hard to sell to Locke, a strong ally of organized labor, and Labor and Industries, which opposed previous rule changes.

Gary Moore, the department’s new director, said he won’t comment on the bill until he gets a chance to study it.

, DataTimes