Ingram Statement on Senate Bill 30

Today, state Senator Catherine D. Ingram (D-Cincinnati) issued a statement regarding the passage of Senate Bill 30, which allows a 14- or 15-year-old to work as late as 9 p.m. instead of 7 p.m.

“Part of the reason I voted no is that we really haven’t talked this bill through enough,” said Senator Ingram, who is the ranking member on the Senate Workforce and Higher Education Committee. “Working until 9 p.m. could deprive 14- and 15-year-olds of the sleep that’s necessary at their age, whether they are forced to get it or not. I’m glad that my amendment was accepted in committee so that parents know the work hours that they’re agreeing to for their 14- and 15-year-olds.

“However, I’m concerned that this bill is a slippery slope, especially in the absence of increased enforcement mechanisms by the state. We know that there are infractions that aren’t being reported and this bill has the potential to increase employer violations of minor labor laws because now, more children will be working until 9 o’clock.”

Senate Bill 30 passed along party lines.