Bill Updating Child Labor Laws Gets Hearing Today
       The Committee on Labor and Workforce Development hears testimony on legislation updating the state’s child labor laws tomorrow. The House and Senate last year approved their own versions of legislation, hoping to update antiquated labor laws while simultaneously restricting the hours minors are allowed to work, reconciling labor laws with laws that restrict the driving rights of minors, and serving the interests of business who depend in minor workers.
       While branch negotiators agreed on most facets of the plan, they failed to reconcile differences centered on fines for those who violate the proposed new laws and the Senate's move to exempt restaurants from the list of businesses that could not employ underage workers after 11 pm. Several bills relative to child labor are before the committee when it meets today at 10:30 am in Room B-1.