Legislation to create a state mandated ten minute rest period for every four consecutive hours worked by an employee was withdrawn last week.

The Chamber opposed the bill (HB 1592), which while well intentioned, was flawed. The mandated rest period would have applied to most employers, even those who employ a single employee. For example, a working parent who employs a nanny would have been considered an employer under this bill. Frequently, nannies work nine or ten hours, during which time they are solely responsible for the care of a child. Similarly, a “mom-and-pop” store may employ a single clerk or assistant, who may have responsibility for operating the store in the absence of the owners.