HOUSE 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 Passed House:
February 28, 2007
Title: An act relating to youth soccer referees.
Brief Description: Concerning the employment of youth soccer referees.
Sponsors: By Representatives Lovick, Dunshee, Ericks, Williams, Conway, Wood, Moeller, Crouse, Green and Hunter.
Brief History:
Commerce & Labor: 2/15/07, 2/16/07 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/28/07, 97-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Conway, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Condotta, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Green, Moeller and Williams.
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 age 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 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
person under age 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: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) There are 123,000 youth playing soccer in the state. Last summer someone read
a statute and said there was a problem. This is a cure for our problem. About 10 percent of
our referees are under age 14 and it is a wonderful experience for them to be involved in
refereeing. Our referees are covered by medical insurance under the Washington Youth
Soccer Association so we don't need workers' compensation. This is good public policy.
(Available for questions) The Department of Labor and Industries doesn't have any concerns.
This is a very small population. The only question is if other sports will come forward.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Lovick, prime sponsor; and Todd McGann,
Washington State Youth Soccer Association.
(Available for questions) Vickie Kennedy, Department of Labor & Industries.