COLUMBUS, Ohio – A state House committee passed legislation Tuesday allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to work between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. during the school year, teeing up a final floor vote on the bill.
Under current state and federal law, most 14- and 15-year-olds can only work until 7 p.m. during the school year, and until 9 p.m. during holidays and the summer (June 1 to September 1). Senate Bill 30 would change state law only, allowing the minors to work the extra two hours year-round so long as they receive parental approval.
Given the conflict between state and federal law, Republican lawmakers on the committee passed a nonbinding resolution asking the U.S. Congress to change federal code to mirror the proposed Ohio rule.
The legislation drew support from the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Ohio Restaurant Association, Americans for Prosperity, and other similar business interests. ORA lobbyist Tod Bowen told lawmakers that laboring teaches young adults life skills like dealing with people, solving problems, and managing their time. He also said it would help with “workforce issues” in the industry.
“Unfortunately, the current 7:00 pm limit on 14- and 15-year-olds working keeps them from many of these opportunities,” he said to lawmakers in February. “While a limit is appropriate for younger workers, we believe that 9:00 p.m. is reasonable, and will open up more personal growth possibilities for Ohio teenagers.”
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