CS/CS/HB 49 (Chaney) and SB 1596 (Burgess) make changes to the employment restrictions for minors. Under CS/CS/HB 49, minors 16 and 17 years of age will now be permitted to work the same number of hours as a person 18 years of age or older. CS/CS/HB 49 was amended in the Senate Rules Committee. The amendment clarified that minors who work may qualify for a hardship exception if they’re enrolled in a qualified virtual educational program. CS/CS/HB 49 passed the House (76-33) and the Senate (27-11) and is awaiting action by the Governor. (Wagoner)