Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Child Labor Firefighting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee amends child‑labor law to allow 14–15‑year‑olds to ride in official vehicles under federal rules
Summary
The committee adopted an amendment to HB 2014 to confirm that minors aged 14 and 15 may ride in official emergency vehicles if federal transportation rules for minors are met; members raised safety and insurance questions and noted parental consent is included in the bill.
House Bill 2014, introduced by Representative Scott, would amend the child‑labor act to clarify that 14‑ and 15‑year‑olds may perform permitted firefighting activities until 10 p.m. The bill also addresses whether those minors may ride in official vehicles.
Chairman James offered amendment A03467 to clarify that minors over 14 may ride in official vehicles if they comply with federal regulations for transportation of minors. "The department has changed its interpretation to allow these minors to ride in official vehicles consistent with federal regulations," James said, and the amendment was described as agreed to by the majority chairman's office.
Representative Rossi supported the amendment but raised safety and insurance concerns, noting emergency vehicles run red lights and a child’s death in an accident would be catastrophic; she suggested considering a parental waiver or further review. Representative Gleim and other members said parental consent was included and supported the amendment.
The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 2014 as amended.
The committee’s action codifies the department’s current interpretation and advances HB 2014 for further consideration.
