Washington, D.C.(Press Release) – On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the Teenagers Earning Everyday Necessary Skills (TEENS) Act, which provides more work opportunities for 14- and 15-year-olds. Currently, teenagers are not permitted to work past 7 PM during months when school is in session and are limited to 18 hours of work per week. As a teen, Johnson worked as a retail clerk, a Taco Bell shift manager, bowling alley snack bar attendant, and a car detailer at a Ford dealership.
“Kids are allowed to play video games all hours of the night, but current law tells them if they want to work past 7:00 PM, they can’t do that,”said Johnson. “I’m not saying kids need to work all hours of the day, but we should allow them and their parents to make the choice that is best for them. We know work experience increases growth, development, and success. I want to encourage our kids to experience the reward of hard work, not prevent it.”
“As the father of a teenager, I’ve seen firsthand how work experiences build confidence, develop new skills, instill responsibility, and create a sense of pride in a job well done,” said Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association. “Many mom-and-pop entrepreneurs across South Dakota started their own businesses because of jobs they held as teenagers, and we appreciate Rep. Johnson’s efforts to create even more great opportunities for young people.”
“Workforce shortages have remained top of mind for business for over a year. TheTEENS Act provides employers greater workforce flexibility and furthers teenagers’ opportunities to safely participate in the workforce and gain real world experience. With the continued workforce challenges facing the nation, this is a bill the business community can rally behind,” said Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“Nearly half of adults in the U.S. had their first experience working in a restaurant, making the restaurant and foodservice industry is one of the nation’s largest training grounds. The TEENS Act extends the opportunity for teens to learn business and life skills on the job and would help address some of the restaurant industry’s workforce challenges. We appreciate Rep. Johnson’s leadership in re-introducing this bill and his support of teens working in industries like foodservice to build a better future for themselves,”said Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, National Restaurant Association.
The TEENS Act:
- Permits 14- and 15-year-olds to work between the hours of 7 AM and 9 PM year-round.
- Currently, 14- and 15-year-olds cannot work past 7 PM during the school year.
- Increases 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 TEENS Act is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Troy Nehls (R-TX) and Tracey Mann (R-KS).
Click here for bill text.
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