Brief Description: Concerning the employment of youth soccer referees.

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

Hearing Date: 2/15/07

Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).

Background:

For purposes of industrial insurance, employers must either insure workers with the state fund or qualify as a self-insurer. A number of employees are excluded, including newspaper carriers and children under 18 working on their family farm.

A child labor provision states that 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 house work 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 person under 14 may be employed with the permission of the Superior Court.

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 well as adults, as referees. At least two national organizations certify referees.

Summary of Bill:

Referee services (by minors or adults) performed for a nonprofit youth soccer organization are excluded from mandatory industrial insurance. Washington Interscholastic Activities Association-sponsored events are not excluded.

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.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 9, 2007.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.