STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2024) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced legislation co-authored by State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury), which she said supports and protects Hoosier teenagers who want hands-on experience in the workplace.
Currently, Indiana's youth employment regulations are more restrictive than federal regulations, which King said negatively impacts teenagers who choose to work. She said this legislation would bring Indiana into conformity with federal law.
"Young Hoosiers can learn a lot and boost their skills by getting a job and earning money on their own," King said. "In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the value of applied and work-based learning as a means of reinforcing both traditional academic standards and employability skills. Through both formal modern youth apprenticeships and informal work experiences such as student-run enterprises, House Bill 1093 will help to provide the flexibility for students to participate in these experiences."
King said House Bill 1093 would align Indiana and federal law by expanding how long and when certain minors can work. For example, Indiana doesn't allow those ages 14 to 15 to work past 7 p.m. on a school night during the summer, but federal law allows them to work until 9 p.m. with parent permission.
"For decades in Indiana following the United States Supreme Court decision in Wisconsin v. Yoder, our Amish communities have allowed their teenagers to join the workforce or work on the farm after they complete eighth grade," King said. "This legislation makes it clear that they can hold onto this way of life."
House Bill 1093 now heads to the Indiana Senate for consideration. To learn more and follow legislative proceedings, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes a portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
