A state lawmaker wants to put an end to a work permit requirement for underage youth to get a job.

Rep. Dan Moul, R-Gettysburg, recently introduced House Bill 1726 in the state House of Representatives to remove the work permit requirements from the state’s Child Labor Act. The bill has received support from several Republican House members, but no Democrats.

“Work permits, while originally intended to safeguard young employees, often serve as an outdated formality rather than a meaningful protective measure,” Moul wrote in his co-sponsorship memorandum. “Currently, a minor seeking employment must receive a work permit which must be approved by the minor’s school district. Rather than a school having the final say in a minor’s ability to acquire employment, parents should have the responsibility to provide approval for their child.”

Instead of a work permit, Moul proposes requiring a written statement from the youth’s parents or legal guardians acknowledging they understand the duties and hours of employment and granting permission for the minor to work. Moul said removing work permit requirements will make it easier for youth who want to work to get a job, streamline the hiring process and keep relevant labor laws governing hazardous work and working hours intact.

“By modernizing the system and shifting responsibility to employers and parents to verify compliance, young workers can more easily secure jobs that provide valuable skills, financial independence, and pathways...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirAFBVV95cUxObnNxNGdHUGw1eTNjbGQwcTkt...