A new bill introduced in the Ohio House seeks to strengthen protections against child labor violations and prevent minors from entering the workforce prematurely.
State Representative Erika White (D-Springfield Township), a freshman lawmaker from Lucas County, has proposed the Clock Kids Out Act, which aims to enhance investigations into child labor violations, increase penalties for offenders, and involve educators in the reporting process.
Under the bill, school employees would be required to report any knowledge or reasonable suspicion of a student under 16 working in violation of labor laws. Additionally, the legislation would establish an enforcement fund to support investigations and hold employers accountable.
White emphasized that children should not be a solution to workforce shortages.
“Easy is not an answer, and kids are not the answer,” White stated. “We’re not just standing up for our kids—we’re fighting for them. If you’re not protecting a child, we’re going to push for enforcement.”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there was a 69% increase in illegal child labor cases between 2018 and 2023.
House Bill 150 is now awaiting its first committee hearing in Columbus.
Stay with Ohio Times for updates on this developing legislation.
