REPRESENTATIVE ANDY OLSON

OREGON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HOUSE DISTRICT 15

HOUSE PASSES BIPARTISAN

‘YOUTH OPPORTUNITY AND RESPONSIBILITY BILL’

HB 2826 Allows More Oregon Teens to Experience Benefits of Having a Job

SALEM—The House of Representatives today passed HB 2826, known as the “Youth Opportunity and Responsibility Bill.” HB 2826 allows 14- and 15-year-olds to work between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and as late as 9:00 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day. Rep. Andy Olson (R-Albany), one of the bill’s chief sponsors, said HB 2826 is bipartisan legislation that allows more Oregon youth to experience the benefits of having a job.

“The Youth Opportunity and Responsibility Bill is a simple measure giving youth an opportunity to learn how to work, earn money, and manage their time,” Rep. Olson said. “HB 2826 will also help appropriately prepare youth for the demands of higher education, advanced careers and adulthood.”

Rep. Olson said HB 2826 is a product of discussions with the Labor Commissioner and Democratic legislators. He said the bill doesn’t weaken Oregon’s labor laws, but makes state laws more consistent with working hours permitted by the U.S. Department of Labor. Current state law limits the number of hours teens can work and regulates specific work activities outside of school.

“For years, Brad Avakian and I have talked about co-sponsoring a bill that would give today’s youth the same opportunities we had as teenagers,” Rep. Olson said. “Today, I’m pleased to have Commissioner Avakian’s support for this bill, which will help young Oregonians gain life experience and a stronger work ethic.”

HB 2826 now moves to the Senate.

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