Spencer, IA (KICD)– A bill working its way through the Iowa legislature is aiming to make changes to child labor laws in the state.

Senator Dave Rowley was the first to discuss the matters behind Senate File 167 at Saturday’s final Eggs and Issues legislative forum for 2023 by saying the bill, as written, would make more jobs available to those under the age of 18.

Representative John Wills added that this bill would allow younger employees to handle alcoholic beverages.

Senator Lynn Evans, who also supports the legislation, says this could help younger Iowans learn the value of work early in life like he did.

Representative Jones notes that this could also help update old language in current Iowa law.

There was some further discussion on this matter that allowing teens to work could also help the entire state by filling some of the many open jobs in various industries that are considered safe enough for young workers.