Following the example of Arkansas, the Kentucky House of Representatives voted to approve House Bill 255.  This legislation will allow minors to work up to six hours per school day and up to eight hours on non-school days with a limit of 30 hours a week during the school term.  Federal rules are more restrictive for the 16-and-17-year age group. It is possible that Kentucky legislature is enacting a law legitimizing ongoing irregularities. 

Education officials are critical of HB255 that creates the potential for children to be exposed to hazardous occupations.  The duration of work would detract from schooling and there is a potential for exploitation of children from low-income families.  The move towards more extensive employment of minors is in response to availability of workers especially in agriculture and under the prevailing economic situation. 

Education presents a pathway for upward mobility.  Depriving children of scholastic opportunities will contribute to perpetuation of a class dependent on federal support programs and may even result in elevated crime rates.