The workforce of 16-17-year-olds in Washington State represents a significant, yet often overlooked, potential for businesses. Let’s explore the current regulations, and challenges associated with employing minors.
In Washington State, employers are required to comply with specific laws and rules when hiring minors. These include obtaining a Minor Work Permit endorsement on their business license, maintaining specific information on file for each minor worker, and adhering to restrictions on the hours that minors can work. During the school year, 16-17-year-olds are allowed to work up to 4 hours per day and 20 hours per week. However, during non-school weeks, they can work up to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week. These restrictions are designed to ensure that employment does not interfere with their education. While there are potential benefits, there are also challenges associated with employing 16-17-year-olds. These include managing their limited availability due to school commitments and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Employers must also provide a safe and appropriate work environment for young workers. The 16-17-year-olds represent an untapped workforce that could potentially benefit many businesses. However, it’s crucial for employers to understand and comply with the regulations associated with employing minors. With careful management and adherence to labor laws, businesses can successfully integrate these young workers into their operations. During the 2024 legislative session, two bills were introduced to help businesses and students navigate and potentially take advantage of this untapped labor market. Rep. April Connors and Rep. Stephanie McClintock both introduced bills to assist with this resource. Unfortunately, neither bill made it out of committee. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is currently seeking feedback on a draft administrative policy regarding the employment of minors. This policy specifically guides scheduling and hours of work requirements for minors. Unlike the Revised Code of Washington (RCWs) and Washington Administrative Code (WACs), the draft administrative policy provides more detailed information. This is an excellent opportunity for you to share any concerns you may have with the limitations and restrictions on the days, times, and hours that minors may work. Here is the link to the information from L&I regarding a virtual feedback session on April 26 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., or written comments can be submitted to L&I through May 31.
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On February 23, 2024, Wallula Gap Solar, LLC applied to EFSEC to construct and operate a 60-MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project with an optional battery energy storage system (BESS) in Benton County, Washington. The proposed facility would be located approximately 4 miles northwest of Plymouth, spanning across about 437 acres of three parcels owned by Farmland Reserve, Inc. The facility would consist of PV modules mounted on single-axis trackers, which would tilt from east to west throughout the day to maximize energy output. The optional BESS, designed to store power generated by the facility and dispatch it to the electrical grid at a later time, would not exceed the facility’s 60-MW capacity. Currently, the facility plans to use lithium-ion battery energy technology, but other technologies could be considered based on commercial interest. The facility would interconnect to Benton Public Utility District’s 115-kV line near the Prior #2 substation and then connect to the Bonneville Power Administration’s facilities at the Plymouth tap, where Benton PUD and BPA facilities connect at BPA’s McNary substation. The EFSEC has scheduled an Open House, Public Information Hearing and Land Use Consistency Hearing for April 23rd. The hearing will include a virtual and in-person components. The may attend the meeting in person at: Kennewick Valley Grange #731 2611 S Washington St Kennewick, WA 99337 Virtual attendance is available via Microsoft Teams or via phone at:
Additional information about the venue such as maps and directions can be found on our website: https://www.efsec.wa.gov/energy-facilities/wallula-ga AuthorMatt Murphy, TCRCC Government & Regional Affairs Director, matt.murphy@tricityregionalchamber.com Congratulations to AtkinsRéalis on the grand opening of their new Technology Center. The facility is located at 2801 George Washington Way in Richland - near WSU Tri-Cities. Congratulations to Boot Barn on their ribbon cutting and grand opening on Friday, April 12! Check out their store at 1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Ste. 850 in Kennewick (right next to the Columbia Center Mall - formerly Ulta Beauty). We are currently seeking volunteers to join our Local Government Affairs Committee. This is a unique chance for individuals who are passionate about business and government regulations to make an impact in our community.
Why Join the Local Government Affairs Committee? The Local Government Affairs Committee is a platform where you can engage in meaningful discussions about local government affairs and advocate for policies that promote a favorable business climate. It's a place where you can collaborate with other business leaders to address regulatory challenges and influence the direction of our local business community. What Can You Expect? As a volunteer, you will be part of a team that identifies and advocates on issues relating to business and government regulations. Your insights and experiences will be invaluable in shaping the business landscape of the Tri-City region. How to Get Involved? If you're interested in volunteering, we'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to us and we'll guide you through the next steps. We look forward to welcoming you to our committee and working together to make the Tri-City region a better place for businesses to thrive. You can reach Matt Murphy, Government & Regional Affairs Directory at matt.murphy@tricityregionalchamber.com Thanks to everyone who came out to Business After Hours at Columbia Ability Alliance on Thursday, April 11. We hope you had a wonderful time and made some fruitful new business connections. In 2023, the Governor signed House Bill 1106, which expanded the good cause reasons for voluntarily quitting employment set forth in RCW 50.20.050 and updated the employer benefit charging requirements set forth in RCW 50.29.021.
Washington State House Bill 1106, passed in 2023, is an act concerning qualifications for unemployment insurance when an individual voluntarily leaves work. Here are the key points:
The Department is engaging in rulemaking to implement HB 1106. This rulemaking is being completed in stages. We have completed the first stage, which updated WAC 192-150-055. They are now working on the second phase and updating the rules to define the term "split shift" and to incorporate quitting for good cause due to inaccessible care of a child or vulnerable adult, which was added by House Bill 1106. There is a draft ready to share and would like your feedback. Please send any comments or suggestions regarding the rulemaking to rules@esd.wa.gov or to: Attention: Stephanie Frazee, Legislation and Rules Coordinator Employment Security Department P.O. Box 9046 Olympia, WA 98501 Please submit comments or suggestions by Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Please identify the rulemaking as "Expanding Good Cause for Voluntarily Quitting Employment" in your comments. Plans to construct the Horse Heaven Wind Farm across thousands of acres in Benton County are moving forward with modifications. The original plan has been cut back by 116 turbines from the original plan of 231. Many of the turbines would reach 670 feet into the air. The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, or EFSEC, will be sending a recommendation report to Governor Inslee on April 17.
EFSEC is accepting comments about the proposed report and modifications being sent to Governor Inslee. Public comments can be made online at comments.efsec.wa.gov through midnight Wednesday, April 10. Local governments play a vital role in shaping our communities. They establish rules and regulations that impact everything from zoning laws to business licenses. But crafting effective regulations requires a clear understanding of a concept called "nexus."
What is Nexus? In the context of local government, nexus refers to the connection between a rule or regulation and the legitimate governmental interest it seeks to serve. Essentially, it asks the question: Does this rule have a valid purpose and is it directly tied to achieving that purpose? For example, a local government might impose a regulation requiring restaurants to maintain a certain health code rating. The nexus here is clear: the regulation aims to protect public health, a legitimate governmental interest. Why is Nexus Important? The concept of nexus is crucial for several reasons:
Let's consider two scenarios:
Nexus is a powerful tool for ensuring local government regulations are effective, fair, and respectful of individual rights. By demanding a clear connection between a rule and its purpose, nexus safeguards our communities and fosters a healthy balance between local control and individual liberty. |
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