Ohio - An Ohio state bill that would have allowed 14 and 15-year-olds to work later on school nights has been vetoed by Governor Mike DeWine.

Senate Bill 50 would have extended the latest allowable work time for minors under 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the school year, as long as a student has signed permission from a parent or guardian. Opponents of the bill argued that it would negatively impact school performance and blur child labor laws. The bill was also in conflict 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.

Ohio lawmakers passed the bill in both chambers back in November before it was sent to the governor's desk.

In a statement, DeWine said the bill lacked definition in what it would and would not do. He added that shifting the current child labor laws to allow students to work until 9 p.m. on a school night is unnecessary.

"I believe it unwise to provide for 14- and 15-year-olds to work, on a school night, that late at night," Governor DeWine said. "I see no compelling reason to deviate from current law."

The governor also stated that under current law 14- and 15-year-olds can work until 9 p.m. during any school breaks longer than 5 days, including summer.

 

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