Senate Passes Schaffer Bill Updating Labor Laws

COLUMBUS - State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) today announced the passage of Senate Bill 30 by the Ohio Senate, which would allow 14 and 15-year-olds to work until 9:00 p.m. year-round in Ohio with their parents’ and school administrators’ consent.

"Thirteen states currently allow youth under the age of 16 to work until 9:00 p.m. year-round, earning a good wage and learning valuable employment skills, while providing local employers with consistent staff and helping small businesses keep their doors open," said Schaffer. "This bill will expand the ability of our younger generations who want to work and earn a paycheck to do so with the permission of their parents or guardians."

Currently, federal and state laws prohibit 14-15-year-olds to work past 9:00 p.m. during the summer, and past 7:00 p.m. during the school year. Under the bill, 14 and 15-year-olds who wish to work until 9:00 p.m. during the school year must have the approval of a parent or legal guardian, along with a school administrator.

The bill does not change or relax punishments for employers who violate child labor laws.

"This legislation reinforces the guardrails protecting 14 and 15-year-olds already in code,” Schaffer explained. “Ohio law says 14 and 15-year-olds may not work between 9:00 pm and 7:00 am, and no more than 3 hours a day and 18 hours a week while school is in session. These guardrails do not change under Senate Bill 30.”

Senate Bill 30 will now be sent to the Ohio House for further consideration.