Floridians must reject bills on student employment, classroom recruitment

In a controversial move, the Florida legislature, despite significant opposition from industry leaders, passed SB 1718 in May 2023, aimed at driving undocumented immigrants out of the state. This decision has now resulted in a labor shortage across crucial industries such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality. In an attempt to address this shortage, the legislature is considering a solution that has sparked widespread concern – the employment of 16- and 17-year-old students.

Florida’s HB 49, a proposed legislation, seeks to lift restrictions on underage student employment, allowing them to work up to 40 hours a week, even on overnight shifts when there is no school the following day. The proposed changes remove vital protections for 16–17-year-old workers that were previously guaranteed under Florida law.

Critics argue that while mistakes can be made, the intent behind HB 49 exacerbates the initial error. With the removal of restrictions on the hours and types of work for underage students, concerns are being raised about the impact on these young individuals’ education and well-being. As a mother of four and an educator, the prospect of students working full-time hours while still expected to excel in their studies is a troubling one.

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One major point of contention is SB 460, which primarily focuses on revisions to career and technical education. However, it has drawn criticism for loosening safety requirements for student workers aged 16-17. Additionally, the bill mandates school districts to allow employers from various industries, including agriculture, construction, culinary, and nursing, to meet with students and promote career and technical education as a pathway to high-wage careers.

While the intention might be to expose students to potential future careers, opponents argue that this appears to be a thinly veiled attempt to recruit young individuals into these industries. This approach raises questions about the appropriateness of such recruitment efforts within the school environment.

The apparent contradiction between these legislative moves and Florida’s purported goal of achieving the highest graduation rate in the United States is not lost on critics. The state’s emphasis on advancing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to provide pathways to well-paying employment is seemingly at odds with the proposed changes. While the allure of earning more money at a younger age may attract some students, concerns linger about the potential negative impact on graduation rates and long-term educational outcomes.

While acknowledging that there may be instances where students need to work due to family or economic circumstances, opponents argue that the proposed legislation fails to strike the right balance. Under the current statute, families facing such challenges can apply for a waiver, which, if granted by the district school superintendent or their designee, allows students to work. The concern is that by expanding the opportunities for full-time employment for 16–17-year-olds, the legislation risks making such scenarios the norm rather than the exception.

Economically disadvantaged families often find their 16–18-year-olds in the workforce, and these students are already at a higher risk of dropping out of high school. Critics argue that allowing students as young as 16 to work full-time hours should be approached with caution and treated as an exception rather than a widespread practice.

For concerned citizens seeking more information about the potential impact of HB 49, the Florida Policy Institute has provided insights at https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/fast-facts-hb-49-would-undo-decades-of-child-labor-protections-in-florida . Advocates against the proposed legislation urge residents to engage with their legislators, expressing their concerns and advocating for the rejection of HB 49. The message is clear: find an alternative labor solution that does not burden the state’s students.