Ohio Considers Extending Work Hours for Teenagers
Ohio could soon permit 14- adn 15-year-olds too work until 9 p.m. during the school year.
Senate bill 50,sponsored by Senator Tim Schaffer,R-Lancaster,would allow thes teenagers to work later with parental or legal guardian permission. The Ohio House of representatives passed the bill, 60-30, on November 5.
Current law restricts 14- and 15-year-olds from working past 7 p.m. during the school year. Sixteen- and 17-year-olds, however, can work until 11 p.m.
Supporters argue this change will provide students with valuable work experience and address labor shortages for businesses.
“This legislation is a reasonable and practical solution to one small part of our workforce challenges,” testified Jared Weiser, Ohio state Director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses.He reported that 58% of small businesses are hiring and 32% struggle to fill open positions.
Representative Mark Johnson,R-Chillicothe,shared his personal experience,stating he delivered newspapers and worked on a farm before age 16,followed by a job at Waffle House.
“None of that hurt me one bit,” Johnson said. “I find that there’s not a thing wrong with learning how to work at a young age.”
Opponents express concern that extended work hours will negatively affect students’ academic performance and future opportunities.
“It’s never worth compromising kids’ education or safety to boost employer profits,” said Heather Smith,a researcher with Policy Matters Ohio.