STATEHOUSE (March 11, 2013) — Today, the Indiana House of Representatives approved State Sen. Vaneta Becker’s (R-Evansville) bill to alter Indiana’s child labor laws with a 92-4 vote.

Senate Bill 153 would create an exemption in Indiana's child labor laws to allow Hoosiers 12 years of age and older to work as youth athletic program referees, umpires or officials. Currently, a child must be at least 14 years old. Becker said Newburgh resident Matthew Burkart inspired the legislation.

“Matthew showed great initiative in putting forth most of the legwork necessary for this bill, and I’m extremely proud of him,” Becker said.

Burkart, a 13-year-old Evansville Holy Rosary Catholic School student, provided Senate and House committees with petitions, letters and signatures from Indiana mayors, soccer players, youth coaches, parents and others who support SB 153. He brought the idea to Becker after being turned down for a referee job at a local soccer club because he was too young by state law.

“This bill will affect more than 300 young Hoosiers across the state,” Becker said. “We want to provide them with the opportunity to pursue their ambitions and show them that, as Matthew said, ‘Indiana is not a state that will hold them back.’”

SB 153 now moves to the governor’s desk. It’s set to take effect immediately after being signed into law.

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