U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) on Aug. 25 sponsored legislation that would expand working hours for employees between the ages of 14 and 16 years when school is in session.
“Only 35 percent of teens are in the workforce,” Rep. Johnson said. “Government time restrictions aren’t making it easier for them to work, gain experience, and future opportunities.”
If enacted, the Teenagers Earning Everyday Necessary Skills (TEENS) Act, H.R. 5274, would extend federal work hour limitations to allow teens to work beyond the current 7 p.m. limit during months when school is in session and permit them to work between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. year-round, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Johnson’s office.
Additionally, H.R. 5274 would increase the number of workable hours during a school week to 24 hours. Currently, 14- and 15-year-olds are limited to working 18 hours per week, the summary says.
“If a teen can participate in a basketball game until 9 p.m. on a school night, they should also have the option to work a part-time job if they want to,” said Rep. Johnson. “The TEENS Act isn’t a mandate to make teens work more but simply loosens restrictions so they can work more if they want, benefiting themselves, their employer, and their future.”
H.R. 5274, which Rep. Johnson introduced alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX), has received support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Restaurant Association, the U.S. Travel Association, and the South Dakota Retailers Association.