South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson introduced the Teenagers Earning Everyday Necessary Skills (TEENS) Act Friday, which loosens federal work hour limitations for 14- and 15-year-olds. Currently, teenagers are not permitted to work past 7 PM during months when school is in session and are limited to 18 hours of work per week.
Johnson says the TEENS Act isn’t a mandate to make teens work more but simply loosens restrictions so they can work more if they want.
Johnson’s office said the TEENS Act is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Restaurant Association, U.S. Travel Association, and the South Dakota Retailers Association.