Bill repeals work permit for minors

The Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on Wednesday advanced a bill that would repeal a state work permit requirement for children younger than 16 seeking employment.

In a 5-2 vote, the committee endorsed House Bill 1410 by Rep. Rebecca Burkes, R-Lowell.

The bill would ax the state law that bars a person, firm or corporation from employing or permitting any children younger than 16 to work in or in connection with any establishment or occupation until the person, firm or corporation employing the child procures and keeps on file an employment certificate, accessible to the state Division of Labor, and the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education or local school officials.

HB1410 also would eliminate the state law that requires the employment certificate to be issued by the Division of Labor director, and the application for the employment certificate to include a proof of age, a description of the work and work schedule, and written consent from the parent or guardian.

Burkes told the committee the state work permit is required for 14- and 15-yearolds before they can a get a job, and children younger than 14 in Arkansas generally cannot work unless they are working for family businesses or similar reasons.

“This bill came to me from the Foundation for Government Accountability,” he said. “It truly is just paperwork that is a barrier for a 14- or 15-year-old to get a job.”

Committee Chairwoman Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, who voted against the bill, said afterward that “The perception this creates isn’t worth the elimination of a simple process.

“It’s a simple step in creating a legal protection for kids and for their parents from potentially abusive or unsafe situations.”