Streamlining Child Labor?

Should it be easier for younger teens to get a job?

Some Republicans in the Arkansas Legislature want to make it easier for young people under the age of 16 to get a job in the state.

And that raises questions about how we view young people and work nationwide.

Right now in Arkansas, a teen under age 16 must have proof of age and consent from a parent or legal guardian to obtain an employment certificate from the state Division of Labor.

Business are forbidden from hiring anyone under 16 without a state employment certificate.

House Bill 1410 — called the Youth Hiring Act of 2023 — would remove the requirement for an employment certificate for those under 16. Repealing the certificate requirement would also repeal the need to provide proof of age or get written permission from a parent or legal guardian for a teen under age 16 to get a job.

In most cases, a child under 14 cannot hold a job in the state. HB 1410 contains no minimum age for employment, so it’s unclear if or how that will be affected.

The bill’s sponsors say it streamlines the hiring process for minors and allows parents to decide whether a child might work. And, if the legislation is successful, we can see that reasoning catching on in other states.

We want to know what you think. Do you support removing these state employment requirements for those under age 16? Should there be a state or federal minimum age for employment at all? Or are you against the idea of removing work restrictions based on age?

Send your response (50 words maximum) to opinion@texarkanagazette.com by Wednesday, Feb. 22. You can also mail your response to the Texarkana Gazette Friday Poll, at P.O. Box 621, Texarkana, TX 75504 or drop it off at our office, 101 E. Broad St, Texarkana, Ark. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. We will print as many responses as we can in next Friday’s paper.

Last Week: Out of Sight?

Last week’s question was about a theater chain’s plan to charge patrons more of less for a ticket depending on where they choose to sit. Would you be willing to pay more for a more desirable seat at the movie theater? Would you be more likely to pay less for a cheaper seat? Or would this make you think twice about going out to see a movie.

Got news for you AMC Theaters, your already dead but don’t know it. This nickel and dime stuff your pulling might keep you alive for awhile longer but if I was you, I’d go ahead and pick out your plot maybe next to Blockbuster at the cemetery. — J.K., Texarkana, Ark.