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Youth employment with parent's permission?

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The Senate is scheduled to vote Thursday, April 28 on a bill to allow fourteen and fifteen year-olds to work with a parent's permission.

Under current state law, teenagers must get permission from the principal in their public school district.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is illogical for a public school principal to evaluate a student's readiness to work if the student attends a private school or home school.

"With roughly 10% of our student population attending school other than their local school district, allowing parents the option of being the authorizer of the work certificate is the right option," said Rep. Gregory Hill.

Opponents are concerned that parents might allow a student performing poorly in public school to get a job, contrary to the student's academic interests.

"There is also the potential for an unscrupulous parent or guardian to essentially compel a student to work," wrote Rep. Andrew White.

Do you think parents should be allowed to approve work for their fourteen and fifteen year-old children? Let us know in the comments.

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