STATEHOUSE –State Representative Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 153, which passed out of the House today with a 92 to 4 vote. SB 153 amends Indiana's child labor laws to allow Hoosiers under age 14 to work as referees, umpires or officials for youth athletic programs. “The idea for this bill was brought to Senator Vaneta Becker and me by a young man, Matthew Burkhart, from Newburgh,” said Rep. Crouch. “Matthew is 13 years old, and he was denied the ability to take a referee job for a local soccer club.” SB 153, endorsed by Indiana Soccer President Murray Clark, lowers the eligibility age to work as a referee, umpire or official for youth athletic programs. A child must satisfy all of the following requirements: • The child must be at least 12 years of age. • The child must be certified as a referee, umpire or official by a national certification program. • The child must referee, umpire or officiate for an age bracket younger than his/her own age. “This bill is the result of a young man's passion for his sport and his commitment to making a difference,” said Rep. Crouch. “I commend Matthew not only for his initiative to seek employment as a referee, but also for his initiative to introduce this legislation to me. I am encouraged by his work ethic and willingness to get involved. The passage of this bill could help as many as 300 kids, just like Matthew, across our state.” SB 153 will now be sent to Governor Pence for his signature.
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Rep. Crouch (R-Evansville) and Sen. Becker (R-Evansville) represent portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties |
