Bill > HB150

This bill, known as the Clock Out Kids Act, amends Ohio's labor laws to strengthen protections for minors in the workplace by introducing several key provisions. School employees are now required to immediately report to their principal or designee if they suspect a student under 16 is working in violation of child labor laws, and the principal must then report this to the Department of Commerce. The bill creates a new Minor Labor Law Enforcement Fund in the state treasury, which will be funded by fines collected from labor law violations and used to administer and enforce child labor regulations. The legislation significantly increases penalties for employers who violate minor labor laws, imposing a $50,000 fine for knowingly employing a minor in violation of existing regulations, with separate fines for each illegally employed minor. Additionally, the bill transfers enforcement responsibilities from the Bureau of Employment Services to the Department of Commerce and appropriates $300,000 to hire staff specifically dedicated to enforcing child labor laws. The bill aims to improve oversight and protection of young workers by mandating more robust reporting mechanisms, increasing accountability for employers, and ensuring more rigorous enforcement of existing labor regulations.

Business and Industry

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb150