Ohio lawmakers have moved to allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. during the school year. 

State Senate Bill 50, sponsored by Senator Tim Schaffer, is set to change Ohio's child labor laws and adjust the Revised Code to allow teens to work later on school-nights with the signature of a parent or legal guardian.

Under current law, 14- and 15-year-olds cannot legally work past 7 p.m. during the school year; 16- and 17-year-olds are prohibited from working past 11 p.m. on school nights in Ohio.

Ohio's Senate Bill 50 does, however, conflict significantly with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, which bars 14- and 15-year-olds from working after 7 p.m. and before 7 a.m. during the school-year. In recognition of the conflict, the Ohio House of Representatives has passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 3. The resolution serves as a message to Congress, urging federal lawmakers to expand the work hours of minors. The legislation was introduced to Congress but has not been passed.

The federal child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act have been in place since 1938.

Co-sponsor of the bill, Senator Sandra O'Brien (R-Ashtabula), spoke to 21 News during an event in Warren on Friday, November 14.

Senator O'Brien says that she voted "yes" on the bill because she believes it will expand their understanding of how the economy works.

"We're allowing the parents to be a parent, and if they think it is too late or too much, then they can tell their child they are not going to allow that," said Senator O'Brien.

O'Brien continued, stating that she knows young people who would like to work and earn a bit more money.

Furthermore, O'Brien says that the experience of working would help get them integrated into the economy and help them learn about taxation.

The bill has passed both the Senate and House. It now awaits signed approval from Governor Mike DeWine.