Brief Description: Concerning the employment of youth soccer referees.

Sponsors: By Representatives Lovick, Dunshee, Ericks, Williams, Conway, Wood, Moeller, Crouse, Green and Hunter.

House Committee on Commerce & Labor
Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development

Background:

Any person employing a child under the age of 14 in any store, shop, factory, mine or any inside employment not connected with farm or housework is guilty of a misdemeanor. Parents or guardians who permit a child to be so employed are also guilty. The provision does not apply to children employed as actors or performers. Also, a child under age 14 may be employed with the permission of a superior court judge.

A person employing a minor must obtain a work permit.

Some youth soccer associations in the state use youth under the age of 14 as referees. At least two national organizations certify referees.

Summary:

The provision making employment of children under age 14 a crime does not apply to youth soccer referees who have been certified by a national referee certification program.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   97   0
Senate   45   0   (Senate amended)
House   95   0   (House concurred)

Effective: July 22, 2007