From the Capitol with Steve Firman - April 18, 2023

posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 in Government Affairs

April 18, 2023

Movement at the Capitol slowed considerably last week with the Senate holding no floor debate and both chambers holding very few subcommittee and committee meetings. The House debated a variety of primarily non-controversial bills throughout the week. The Senate held back-to-back committee meetings on Tuesday to advance all the March Governor appointments out of committee and this week the Senate planned to hold committee meetings again to consider the April appointments and potentially vote on Governor appointments on the floor.  Budget discussions are continuing as we approach the scheduled final day of the session on April 28th.

   

One bill of significance that we have followed throughout the session changing child labor laws passed the Senate at 4:52 am Tuesday morning.  This legislation allows teenagers to work longer hours and in some jobs that are currently prohibited, if they're part of an approved work training program or have a parent's permission.  Kids under 16 could work up to six hours a day if the bill becomes law, up from four under current law. And 16- and 17-year-olds could work as many hours as adults.  In addition, the bill would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to serve alcohol in restaurants, but not in bars, as long as they have a parent’s permission to do so.

   

   

The bill must still pass the House and be signed by the Governor before it will take effect.  The Governor has spoken favorably about the bill in the past.