Blackshear Commends Governor DeWine's Veto of Child Labor Bill

Today, state Senator Willis Blackshear (D-Dayton) commended Governor DeWine for vetoing Senate Bill 50, which would have extended the hours that 14- and 15-year-olds can work during the school year.

“S.B. 50 is a problematic bill, and I’m glad to see Governor DeWine veto it," said Blackshear. "We want our young people to enter the workforce, but having 14- and 15-year-olds work late into the school night is irresponsible and raises significant safety concerns.”

S.B. 50 would have extended the work hours of 14- and 15-year-olds from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on school nights. As a member of the Senate Workforce Development Committee, Senator Blackshear raised concerns about the safety of teenagers making long commutes using public transportation late at night. Additionally, S.B. 50 did not include a plan for increased oversight and enforcement of child labor laws. 

Following the veto, leadership in the Ohio House and Ohio Senate will decide whether to try to override the governor’s veto. A 3/5 vote of the members of both the Ohio House and Ohio Senate would be required to override the Governor’s veto.