Palm Coast Local - The Senate unanimously passed a bill allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to work on certain construction sites, but not without amendments. Prior to the vote, Senators revised the bill, removing a provision concerning apprenticeship programs.
With this alteration, HB 917 now returns to the House, where it initially passed 84-30, mostly along party lines. Democratic Representatives Lisa Dunkley of Sunrise and Johanna Lopez of Orlando joined Republicans in supporting the bill, while GOP Representatives Mike Beltran of Riverview and Paula Stark of St. Cloud voted against it alongside Democrats.
Senator Corey Simon, a Tallahassee Republican, explained that the bill aims to provide teenagers with workforce experience by expanding apprenticeship programs in trades such as construction across more school districts statewide. He clarified that the bill was sometimes misunderstood as aiming to eliminate workplace restrictions for children, emphasizing its focus on engaging youths in the construction trades, particularly in districts lacking relevant academies.
"We've ensured that we are always safeguarding our children," he concluded.
According to the bill, a 16- or 17-year-old is permitted to work on a residential construction site with scaffolding or roofing less than six feet high, provided they have obtained certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and are under the direct supervision of an individual at least 21 years old with a minimum of two years of experience.
Simon's amendment eliminated a provision that restricted the amount of funding school districts could receive for managing the apprenticeship programs.
Opposition to the bill primarily revolves around concerns regarding the safety of young workers.
"I recognize the necessity of expanding opportunities for training and apprenticeship," Beltran expressed in a note outlining his vote.
"However, I am apprehensive about the insufficient safeguards regarding underage workers on potentially hazardous job sites. I would have felt more comfortable with stronger language ensuring close supervision of these vulnerable youths and confirming that the main purpose of such work is genuine training."
Now, the House must either accept the amendment or return it to the Senate. Both chambers must come to an agreement on the bill during the final week of the Regular Session for it to advance to the Governors' desk.
{ Our View Point } If this bill is enacted, it could encourage teenagers to explore skilled trades before completing high school. However, one aspect that hasn't been addressed is the potential impact on employers' liability insurance premiums, as well as the increased possibility of lawsuits if an underage individual is injured. With parental consent being a factor, the employer's risk should be mitigated if the incident is not the fault of the company or the employer. To alleviate this risk, the state of Florida should consider assuming all or part of the liability, thereby providing an incentive for employers. As it stands, this bill places all the risk on the employer, which may not be an attractive proposition.
Here is how the bill reads: You can also read HB 553 for Career Themed Courses
Are you in the construction trade business, and would you hire 16 & 17 year olds? What are your thoughts?
