Senate bill aims to soften Missouri’s child labor laws

The Senate is considering a bill that would soften Missouri’s child labor laws. 

The bill from St. Charles Republican Nick Schroer would bar departments, agencies, or municipalities from issuing a work certificate to a minor under 18. 

It also stipulates that employers would be prohibited from obtaining such certificates for children under 18 as a condition of employment. 

Under the bill, employers are required to receive signed permission slips from a parent or guardian for a child that is between the ages of 14 and 16 to work. 

The proposal does not allow a child to be absent from school in violation of state law or educational regulations. 

It also includes restrictions for children working in the entertainment, modeling, theater, and music industries. 

A Senate committee could soon vote on the bill.