By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
MADISON – A bill authored by State Senator Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) that aims to expand allowable work hours for minors ages 14 and 15 was approved by the State Senate on Wednesday, Oct. 20.
If SB 332 is signed into law, 14- and 15-year-olds would be allowed to work between 6 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on days preceding school days, and between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. on days preceding non-school days.
Under current state law, minors ages 14 and 15 cannot work later than 7 p.m. from after Labor Day until May 31 and cannot work later than 9 p.m. during the summer months.
A release from Felzkowski’s office said the bill would apply to small businesses that are not covered by the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and would also require that minors under the age of 16 who are employed after 10 p.m. receive at least eight consecutive hours of rest between shifts.
“The idea for this bill came from a small business owner in town who ran into staffing issues during summer hours due to their young employees not being able to work past 9 p.m.,” the release said. “Many other small businesses throughout Wisconsin rely on young people to fill out their workforce, especially within the tourism industry of the Northwoods. This will provide businesses with more flexibility when it comes to staffing, and more importantly, will allow young people to earn extra money and build a responsible work ethic.”
After its passage in the State Senate, SB 332 moved to the Assembly Committee on Labor and Integrated Employment, where it awaits a vote.