Kate Gosselin new show threatened again by child labor laws

[HMG] – Realty shows are a huge earner for most of the channels, and few people have made more money from them than Kate Gosselin. But if a Pennsylvania politician gets his way, both could soon be in trouble.

Republican congressman, Thomas P. Murt says work permits issued by the Department of Labor only cover children aged 7 to 18. Kate’s brood are all six years old, and that causes concern;

“I have asked the Attorney General to clarify whether the permit process provides for such performances,” says Murt. “It appears those permits were granted even though the law does not provide for them.”

And for Kate that spells trouble – The law allows children under 7 to take small roles in movies, but not on TV. And if the AG decides her permits were granted by bending the rules, her new TLC show could be shuttered — forever.

Congressman Murt’s rep, Sean Yeakle told E News that his boss is not accusing anyone of breaking the law, “He is simply seeking clarification.”

And the ensuing publicity would also help in the upcoming mid-terms…Not that this was his motive, of course.

The work permits only allow children to be filmed before 10:30 pm, and no more than five days a week. But they cannot be filmed while undressed or sleeping, in the bathroom, or in any location where liquor is sold.

But if Kate’s brood — or any child – is merely filmed engaging in everyday life, does that constitute a ‘Scripted Television Production”? If not, both the permits and Murt’s complaints are baseless.

TLC is insisting it has complied with all relevant laws. But if the permits are canceled, Kate’s show, and many others could be closed overnight. And there’s a lot of money at stake.

Although in Kate’s case, TLC wouldn’t lose much — “Kate Plus 8,” her new solo show, has lost nearly 40% of its viewers in less than three weeks. So the employment problems could soon clear up on their own.

Mr. Murt’s bill to reform the laws now has over 70 co-sponsors. It  needs 102 votes to pass in the House. Stay tuned and we’ll bring you the word…