Bill loosening work restrictions for minors advances

The House Education and Employment Committee passed a measure 14-6 that seeks to reduce barriers for teens who want to work.

Palm Bay Republican Rep. Monique Miller presented the bill (HB 1225) and explained that it’s designed to align with federal regulations and foster support for teens participating in apprenticeship programs.

“Right now, Florida law is more restrictive when it comes to the employment of teenagers than is federal law,” Miller said. “This bill is designed to more closely align Florida with federal regulations. Due to the resurgence of apprenticeships and such, we want to reduce barriers to teenagers learning their trade and getting important life experience to prepare for their careers.”

The bill revises work restrictions, and states that minors aged 15 or younger cannot work more than 15 hours a week while school is in session, and can only work between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Minors aged 16 or 17 could have working hours extended to 8 hours per day, or 30 hours a week during school sessions. All minors working longer than 4 hours must also be given a 30-minute meal break.

There are exceptions to restrictions, which include minors who have graduated or have obtained a high school equivalency, or who are in a specific educational or home program. The bill would further remove authority from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to grant waivers for the restrictions.

Gainesville Democratic Rep. Yvonne Hinson asked if the bill would allow minors to work around the clock. In response, Miller said that it is not the intention of the bill.

Hinson then asked if minors would be able to work during the night. In response, Miller said under current law, teens who are 16 and 17 can work overnight.

“Today, currently, 16- and 17-year-olds can work overnight,” Miller said. “We do not have an epidemic of problems as a result of that, and so the only change to that is what I call a ‘Doogie Howser law.’ So, if you have graduated and you need to go to med school, it’s appropriate to let them work.”

Hinson said there was no language in the bill that specifies a minor would need to get parental permission before they can work.

“If this is about parental rights, why wouldn’t you require parental consent for children to be able to work outside of the existing protections that already exist?” Hinson asked.

Miller said that the bill would not take away parental rights and the majority of parents know when and where their child is working.

“Parental rights are inherent rights, just like any other constitutional rights,” Miller said. “They are recognized, as we have the right to bring our children up the way we want to. And that is our responsibility and our right as parents. And so, you don’t let your kids go out without knowing where they’re going and you manage their lives. So, obviously they would know how they’re working and when.”

Orlando Democratic Rep. Rita Harris asked about potential exploitation of minors.

“Are there any guardrails in the bill that will protect a child from exploitation. I mean, we know that things happen on the job. Are there any guardrails so that the parent is aware that the child is working at a job or anything like that in the bill?” Harris asked.

Miller said there was no specific language in the bill that would do that.

During the bill’s debate, Greenacres Republican Rep. Anne Gerwig detailed how she had worked full time as a 17-year-old while taking classes as a senior in high school.

“You and I spoke about this, and I do support children working under certain conditions,” Gerwig said. “I had offered my support, but I have to withdraw that, and I have to say that out loud. I want you to understand my position. I worked full time as a 17-year-old with two classes in high school, actually having to pay my rent at my home as a 17-year-old senior in high school.”

Gerwig said she does think that there needs to be focus on getting our students involved in work so that they don’t end up spending five years in college for something they don’t even enjoy. But she added that she thinks the legislation is “going too far.”

“I want to encourage apprenticeships, and that type of work experience. But I think that we’re just going too far here, and I apologize when I say that to you publicly,” Gerwig said. “Because I do believe in work, I do believe in apprenticeship and training, but I just want to make sure that our kids have choices.”

Hinson said the bill weakens child labor laws and takes away child protections.

“Your bill weakens Florida’s child labor law by removing restrictions on hours and meal breaks, and allowing, I guess, 14- and 15-year-olds, if they’ve graduated, to work,” Hinson said. “It permits a minor to work beginning the Summer vacation of the calendar year in which he or she turns 14. Literally taking away all the child protections we put in place over the years to protect our children.”

Jacksonville Beach Republican Rep. Kiyan Michael supported the bill and said that she thinks the legislation has become a victim of bad press.

“One of the things that I hear over and over, is that children may be in danger,” Michael said. “I think looking at it from a perspective of children who come from neighborhoods that are crime ridden, or neighborhoods where they may have hardship, this gives them something to do that is positive. Being able to utilize their minds, our children are capable of working and learning at the same time.”

In closing, Miller detailed how one of her first jobs in high school was working for a photo developer and noted that she was inspired by the vacation pictures she developed for customers. Since then, Miller said she has worked in international business and has been to 50 different countries.

“There were some concerns about safety,” Miller said. “It’s already happening and it’s happening safely. You can vote for this knowing you’re not harming children; you’re giving them an opportunity of a lifetime.”