JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A bill to loosen Missouri’s child labor laws could be debated in the state house this week.

In Missouri, 14- and 15-year-olds must get a certificate from their school and parental consent before they may work.

The bill states instead of being overseen by schools and the state labor agency, 14- and 15-year-olds would only need a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian.

Advocates of the bill say the schools’ role is unnecessary and parents should have the say. Though a political science professor may contend that the permits are an important safeguard that allows schools to ensure the teenagers ‘ job doesn’t affect their education.