SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1457
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Labor, Commerce, Research & Development, March 15, 2007
Title: An act relating to youth soccer referees.
Brief Description: Concerning the employment of youth soccer referees.
Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Dunshee, Ericks, Williams, Conway, Wood, Moeller, Crouse, Green and Hunter.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/07, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce, Research & Development: 3/15/07 [DPA].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Clements, Ranking Minority Member; Franklin and Holmquist.
Staff: Sherry McNamara (786-7402)
Background: Washington's child labor laws state 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 law does not
apply to children employed as actors or performers. A person employing a minor must obtain a
work permit.
United States Soccer Federation (USSF) is the governing body for soccer in the United States and
is responsible for providing training and certification for soccer referees throughout the nation.
In 2006, there were 4,126 referees that had been certified by the USSF. Of those referees, 550
of them were under the age of 14 years old.
For purposes of industrial insurance, Washington 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 less than 18 years old working on their family farm.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT(S) AS PASSED COMMITTEE
(Labor, Commerce, Research & Development): Youth soccer referees who have been certified
by a national referee certification program are added to the exemptions for employing children
under the age of 14 years old.
Section 2 which would have exempted nonprofit youth soccer organization referees from
industrial insurance requirements is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Removing section 2 of the bill will allow interested parties to work on the industrial insurance requirements for soccer referees over the interim.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Vicki Austin, Washington State Youth Soccer Association.