COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday vetoed legislation that would have allowed 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. year-round, rejecting the proposal on grounds that it would cut too deeply into students’ study time on school nights. Senate Bill 50 passed both chambers of the Republican-led Legislature along party lines, but lawmakers would need a three-fifths vote in each chamber to override the veto.
Current Ohio law allows young teens to work until 9 p.m. only during summer vacation or school holidays; otherwise, they must stop by 7 p.m. DeWine said he sees “no compelling reason” to extend evening work hours during the academic year, emphasizing that the existing balance between work and education has “served us well.”
Because federal rules under the Fair Labor Standards Act set nationwide limits on teen work hours, Ohio cannot legally expand those limits without congressional action. Lawmakers simultaneously passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 urging Congress to loosen those federal restrictions so 14- and 15-year-olds could work until 9 p.m. on school nights with parental permission.
The measure has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters — including the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance — say expanded hours would help businesses address workforce shortages. Opponents such as the Children’s Defense Fund argue it would undermine academic performance and increase risks of exploitation, especially since 14- and 15-year-olds can be paid the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, below the state minimum of $10.70.
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