Connecticut House Bill HB06414

Connecticut 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/23/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

An Act Concerning Minors Who Have Reached The Age Of Fifteen Working In Retail Stores.

Impact

The impact of HB 06414 could be significant, as it would effectively allow fifteen-year-olds to engage in employment in a broader range of retail positions. This could lead to an increase in part-time job opportunities for young people, facilitating their entry into the workforce. Supporters of the bill argue that such early job exposure is valuable for developing work ethics and skills that will serve them in future employment. This change might also benefit retailers seeking to fill positions with younger staff who can work flexibly during peak business hours.

Summary

House Bill 06414 proposes an amendment to section 31-23 of the general statutes to allow minors who have reached the age of fifteen to work in retail stores under the same conditions that currently apply to those working in retail food stores. This legislative change aims to standardize employment opportunities for fifteen-year-olds across different types of retail environments. The intent is to provide greater job accessibility for young individuals, fostering early work experience in various settings within the retail sector.

Contention

Discussions around HB 06414 may encounter points of contention regarding the appropriateness of allowing minors to work in various retail settings. Critics could argue that working at a young age might interfere with education or expose minors to challenging work conditions. Additionally, concerns around labor law compliance and the protection of minors in the workplace may arise, with calls for maintaining strict regulations to safeguard their rights and well-being while ensuring they are not overburdened by work responsibilities.