OLR Bill Analysis

sSB 559

AN ACT CONCERNING CADDIES.

SUMMARY:

This bill allows a minor age 14 or older to be employed or allowed to work as a caddie or in a pro shop at any municipal or private golf course. Under current practice, they already do so although they are not formally considered employees.

The bill also authorizes school superintendents to issue “certificates of age” (working papers) for minors, age 14 or older, to work at municipal or private golf courses. By law, anyone who employs a minor under age 18 must obtain and keep such a certificate, which must be available during business hours to Labor Department inspectors.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

CADDIE EMPLOYMENT STATUS

It is unclear under the bill, (1) whether the caddie would be the employee of the golf course or, as is common, would work on a day basis, with no formal employment relationship, for individuals playing golf, and (2) who would be the employer responsible for obtaining and keeping the minor's working papers. When the minor is employed in the pro shop, it is clear that he is a golf course employee; consequently the working papers would be on file with the course.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Labor and Public Employees Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute