Fairfield Reporter

The Ohio Senate has approved two legislative measures introduced by Senator Tim Schaffer, aimed at providing minors with more flexible work hours. Senate Concurrent Resolution 3, one of the adopted bills, requests Congress to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to permit 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9:00 p.m. during the academic year.

In addition, Senate Bill 50, another approved legislation, allows 14- and 15-year-olds to work between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. throughout the year in Ohio. "These bills encourage kids to further develop good working skills and help employers across Ohio with their staffing challenges," stated Senator Schaffer. He added, "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."

Current Ohio law prohibits 14- and 15-year-olds from working between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and restricts them to no more than three hours of work per day during school sessions. These limitations remain unchanged under Senate Bill 50. Should a minor wish to work until 9:00 p.m. during school periods, consent from a parent or legal guardian and a school official is required.

The U.S. Department of Labor indicates that thirteen states currently allow minors under 16 to work until at least 9:00 p.m. for most non-agricultural jobs throughout the year. The proposed legislation aligns the Ohio Revised Code with federal labor standards.

Backing for Senate Bill 50 comes from entities including the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce, NFIB Ohio, and the Greater Ohio Showmen’s Association. Both pieces of legislation also have the endorsement of the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance.

Having passed the Senate, Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 and Senate Bill 50 will now advance to the Ohio House of Representatives for further review.