Senate Adopts Schaffer Legislation Giving Minors More Flexible Work Hours

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate today approved two pieces of legislation sponsored by Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster). The senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 3, urging Congress to change the Fair Labor Standards Act to allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9:00 pm during the school year. The senate also passed Senate Bill 50, which allows 14- and 15-year-olds to be employed between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at any time of the year in Ohio.

"These bills encourage kids to further develop good working skills and help employers across Ohio with their staffing challenges," said Senator Schaffer. "Let’s be clear, these pieces of legislation reinforce the guardrails protecting 14- and 15-year-olds that are already in code. The changes made in these bills help our small businesses that struggle to find adequate staffing and encourage kids to learn good work habits."

According to Ohio law, 14- and 15-year-olds may not work between 9:00 pm and 7:00 am, and no more than 3 hours a day while school is in session. These rules remain in place under Senate Bill 50. If a 14- or 15-year-old wishes to work until 9:00 PM during the school year, that individual must have the approval of their parent or legal guardian and a school administrator. The United States Department of Labor reports that thirteen states currently allow youth under the age of 16 to work until at least 9:00 p.m. year-round for most non-farm employment opportunities. The legislation ensures harmony between the Ohio Revised Code and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

Senate Bill 50 is supported by the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce, NFIB Ohio, Americans for Prosperity - Ohio, the Greater Ohio Showmen’s Association. Both Senate Bill 50 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 are supported by the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance.
 
Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 and Senate Bill 50 now head to the Ohio House of Representatives for further consideration.

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