Ohio Senate approves bill allowing 14–15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. with parental and school consent

The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 50 on April 8 by a recorded vote of 24 yays and 9 nays. The bill amends state law to allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. year-round with parental and school consent while preserving existing guardrails on minors’ hours.

Sponsor Senator Schafer told the chamber the change complements a nonbinding resolution approved earlier in the session and said the bill would help employers and provide teens with work experience. Sen. Schafer said the law would retain the prohibition on work between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., enforce daily and weekly hour limits during the school year (no more than three hours per day and no more than 18 hours per week), and require a director-created minor work-hour notification form signed by a parent or guardian.

Opponents argued the bill could expose vulnerable adolescents to safety and academic harms, and that the state should prioritize childcare and workforce supports for adults rather than expanding youth labor. Senator Smith urged a “no” vote and cited research recommending investments in childcare and early childhood education as an alternative response to workforce shortages. Senator Blackshear raised public-transportation and safety concerns for teens working late.

Senate debate also noted a committee amendment directing the Department of Commerce to publish a notification form listing permitted minor work hours and providing a space for parental signature. After roll call, the clerk announced the bill had passed 24–9.

The bill, as passed by the Senate, moves to the next chamber for further consideration; the transcript does not specify whether fiscal or administrative staffing resources were included.