HB 1121 now heads to the Senate for further consideration

On Monday, the Washington State House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill from Rep. Stephanie McClintock to allow teenagers to work more hours while still in high school.

Under House Bill 1121, 16-or 17-year-old minors could work as many hours during the school year as they can during summer, school vacations, or holidays if they meet certain requirements.

“Washington needs workforce development in the trades,” said McClintock, R-Vancouver. “Career and technical education programs create critical pathways for kids interested in these professions. Kids can get lost in high school without a focus, and CTE programs help provide that focus.”

If the bill becomes law, students will have to be enrolled in an approved career and technical education program and perform work approved by the program to work more hours. Current agency rules make it difficult for students to participate and work in those programs.

McClintock continued, “A lot of kids want to work more hours, and the state should encourage students who are capable and ready to work. This would give these kids valuable on-the-job training and education and help our workforce.”

The bill would also establish parity between Running Start students and CTE students. The same allowance of hours must be made for a 16-or 17-year-old enrolled in a bona fide college program, except the minor is not required to work for an approved employer.

“I think all kids need opportunities to learn hands-on life skills, and getting work experience on top of a CTE program will benefit them greatly,” said McClintock. “They will learn important adult responsibilities like work ethic, paying taxes and managing money, and even punctuality. So, I’m glad to see this legislation moving forward.”

HB 1121 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

The 105-day 2025 legislative session is scheduled to end on April 27.

Information provided by Washington State House Republicans, houserepublicans.wa.gov

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