Johnson Introduces Bill to Increase Teenager Workforce Participation

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced theTeenagers Earning Everyday Necessary Skills (TEENS) Act, which loosens federal work hour limitations for 14- and 15-year-olds. Currently, teenagers are not permitted to work past 7 PM during months when school is in session and are limited to 18 hours of work per week. As a teen, Johnson worked as a retail clerk, a Taco Bell shift manager, bowling alley snack bar attendant, and a car detailer at a Ford dealership.

“If a teen can participate in a basketball game until 9pm on a school night, they should also have the option to work a part time job if they want to,” said Johnson. “Only 35 percent of teens are in the workforce. Government time restrictions aren’t making it easier for them to work, gain experience, and future opportunities. The TEENS Act isn’t a mandate to make teens work more but simply loosens restrictions so they can work more if they want, benefiting themselves, their employer, and their future.”

“As the father of a teenager, I’ve seen firsthand how work experiences build confidence, develop new skills, instill responsibility, and create a sense of pride in a job well done. Many mom-and-pop entrepreneurs across South Dakota started their own businesses because of jobs they held as teenagers, and we appreciate Rep. Johnson’s efforts to create even more great opportunities for young people,” saidNathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association.

“Nearly half of adults in the U.S. had their first experience working in a restaurant, making the restaurant and foodservice industry is one of the nation’s largest training grounds. The TEENS Act extends the opportunity for teens to learn business and life skills on the job and would help address some of the restaurant industry’s workforce challenges. We appreciate Rep. Johnson’s leadership in re-introducing this bill and his support of teens working in industries like foodservice to build a better future for themselves,” saidSean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, National Restaurant Association.

“Workforce shortages have remained top of mind for business for over a year. The TEENS Act provides employers greater workforce flexibility and furthers teenagers’ opportunity to participate in the workforce and gain real world experience. With the continued workforce challenges facing the nation, this is a bill the business community can rally behind,” said Stephanie Ferguson Director, Global Employment Policy & Special Initiatives, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The TEENS Act is cosponsored by Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) and endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Restaurant Association, U.S. Travel Association, and the South Dakota Retailers Association.

The TEENS Act:

• Permits 14- and 15-year-olds to work between the hours of 7 AM and 9 PM year-round.
  • Currently, 14- and 15-year-olds cannot work past 7 PM during the school year.
• Increases the number of workable hours during a school week to 24 hours.
  • Currently, 14- and 15-year-olds are limited to working 18 hours per week.

Read full bill text here.

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