The State House, in a 63-28 vote, gave final passage to a measure that eliminates the regulation requiring employers to give 16- and 17-year-old employees at least a 20-minute meal break if they work at least five hours.
The bill goes to the governor’s desk to be signed. Denham Springs Republican Representative Roger Wilder says this legislation is good for teenagers that are looking for work.
“The top line reasoning is that this is a bill that will help teenagers get employment,” says Wilder.
Wilder also says this bill will result in less red tape for employers hiring minors which will result in the hiring process being more productive.
Wilder claims less paperwork and administration will result in more business owners who would like to hire teenagers and give them experience being able to do so.
Wilder went on to say it can be hard finding minors with a good work ethic in today’s market.
“Right now, we have kids that if you ask them to tuck their shirt in, they quit. But we’re taking only the best kids with initiative at this age that want to work.”
Wilder owns 19 Smoothie King franchises, including multiple locations in his home district of Denham Springs.
