Engler: Jane Cunningham child labor bill makes no sense

Sen. Kevin Engler, R-Farmington, is definitely not on board with the bill sponsored by Jane Cunningham, R-Chesterfield, which would tear apart child labor laws. From his weekly report:

A bill that has been getting a lot of attention is Senate Bill 222, which would eliminate some of the state’s child labor laws. I believe the measure is short-sided and makes no sense.

Following is the description of the bill from the Missouri Senate website:

This act modifies the child labor laws. It eliminates the prohibition on employment of children under age fourteen. Restrictions on the number of hours and restrictions on when a child may work during the day are also removed. It also repeals the requirement that a child ages fourteen or fifteen obtain a work certificate or work permit in order to be employed. Children under sixteen will also be allowed to work in any capacity in a motel, resort or hotel where sleeping accommodations are furnished. It also removes the authority of the director of the Division of Labor Standards to inspect employers who employ children and to require them to keep certain records for children they employ. It also repeals the presumption that the presence of a child in a workplace is evidence of employment.

This bill, of course, comes from the same woman who has targeted public schools and especially public schoolteachers for the past several years and made it appear as if they are public enemy number one as far as children are concerned.