Contact: Erika Martinez
(505) 986-4263
Erika.Martinez@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2015
Senator William “Bill” Soules Introduces Bill to Balance Schedule for Working Students
Santa Fe, NM – Senator William “Bill” Soules has introduced legislation that restricts the number of hours that employed students, ages 16-18, can work on school nights. Sen. Soules said that Senate Bill 606 (SB 606) was inspired by own his personal teaching experience.
“I’ve had many students throughout the years who juggle a job and school. A lot of these students work late nights during the weekdays. Unfortunately, late nights mean they are not prepared for class the next day, by no fault of their own,” said Sen. Soules. “That’s why I think this bill is key in helping our students better balance their schedules. They need rest to prepare for the busy week and we need to give them a hand.”
According to SB 606, children over the age of 16 and younger than 19 years of age shall not be employed before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. on a day that precedes an instructional day at the school in which the child is enrolled.
“This is the type of bill that does exactly what we’ve been talking about doing this whole session… it takes care of our children. I believe this is one way in which we can help our kids become more productive in school and jobs. I hope legislators from both sides of the aisle see the positive effect this bill will have if passed,” added Sen. Soules.
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