The Ohio House of Representatives recently passed Senate Bill 50, legislation that allows 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. at any time of the year, with approval from their parent or legal guardian.

NFIB State Director Jared Weiser testified in support of SB 50 before the Ohio House Commerce and Labor Committee. He highlighted NFIB’s recent research that showed over half of our members reported they are hiring or attempting to hire but are having trouble finding qualified workers.

“This legislation is a reasonable and practical solution to one small part of our workforce challenges. Most importantly, however, this bill will allow younger individuals to hone and enhance valuable employment skills that will set them up for continued success and do so with more flexibility to fit their schedules,” Weiser testified.

Senate Bill 50 does not increase the number of hours a 14- or 15-year-old may work; it simply allows for a longer timeframe in which to work the current number of permitted hours. Now that it has passed both the Ohio House and Senate, it heads to Governor DeWine’s desk for his signature.

The Times-Gazette and WKBN News reported on the legislation, quoting Weiser’s testimony and noting NFIB’s research showing 58% of small businesses were hiring and 32% had job openings that were hard to fill. Cleveland.com also mentioned NFIB’s support of the legislation.