STATEHOUSE (April 25, 2024) – Gov. Holcomb recently signed into law legislation co-authored by State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) to reduce certain employment barriers and empower teenagers who choose to work.
Currently, Indiana's youth employment regulations are more restrictive than federal regulations. King said this negatively impacts teenagers who want to gain experience through apprenticeships and other work experiences. Under House Enrolled Act 1093, Indiana's law will align with federal law.
"There are many valuable skills that you can learn and take with you when working and making your own money," King said. "If Hoosier teens choose to work and have support of their families, we want to make sure they have flexibility – and we can do that while maintaining common-sense safeguards."
Currently, state law is more restrictive than federal law in that 16- and 17-year-olds can only work until 10 p.m. on a school night without parental permission and not work more than 40 hours in a school week. Under the new law, these teens will no longer have any restrictions on when and how many hours a week they can work.
Indiana's law prohibiting those ages 14 to 15 from working past 7 p.m. on a school night during the summer will also be aligned to federal law, which will allow them to work until 9 p.m. with parental permission.
King said following the United States Supreme Court decision in Wisconsin v. Yoder, Amish communities have allowed their teenagers to enter the workforce or go to work on the farm after they complete eighth grade. She said students like the Amish and Mennonite are exempt from state compulsory attendance beyond eighth grade because of their religion, and the new law makes it clear that this practice is permitted in Indiana.
"Amish communities have allowed their teenagers to work after they complete eighth grade as they turn to more hands-on learning and apprenticeship opportunities," King said. "This new law makes it clear that this way of life can continue."
To learn more about HEA 1093, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, and other legislation signed into law by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2024-bill-watch.
-30-
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.
