Bills would increase penalties and fines for illegally employing minors, unsafe working conditions
LANSING, Mich. (Oct. 16, 2024) — Today, the Senate Labor Committee passed a set of bills to strengthen Michigan’s child labor laws. The legislation, sponsored by Sens. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), Mary Cavanagh (Redford Twp.), and Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions.
With a strong focus on child safety, the proposed package, made up of Senate Bills 963–965, also transfers the authority to issue work permits for minors from the Michigan Dept. of Education to the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).
“Protecting Michigan’s children and youth workers is our top priority while still offering them opportunities to earn a paycheck, gain employment experience and learn skills,” said Sen. Santana. “This legislation ensures we are taking the necessary steps to safeguard their rights and well-being in the workplace, reinforcing our commitment to the safety and future of Michigan’s young people.”
The bills require minors and employers to be registered with LEO. Potential employers must comply with the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA) and obtain authorization from LEO before a minor begins working. LEO has the authority to grant exceptions to YESA, but parents will have the ability to object to any special conditions requested by the employer. LEO cannot approve these conditions without parental consent.
“Ensuring Michigan kids are safe and protected has been a longstanding priority for my Democratic colleagues and I, which is why I’m proud to champion these bills to strengthen our state’s child labor laws,” said Sen. Cavanagh. “Our legislation sends a clear message that child exploitation will not be tolerated, and we are doing everything in our power to ensure minors are safeguarded from danger and abuse as they enter the workforce.”
In addition, the legislation establishes a new YESA registration system under LEO for the employment of minors. This system, accessible online at no cost, requires minors or their parents to submit contact information and any physical limitations the minor may have.
“Whether at home, school, or work, Michigan’s young people deserve to be in safe, trusted environments. By strengthening our state’s child labor laws and increasing penalties for businesses that exploit or endanger minors, we are taking critical steps to ensure they are kept from harm’s way as they earn money for their pockets,” said Sen. Camilleri. “There’s still more to do, but today’s committee vote underscores our determination to keep our youth safe in the workplace and all other places they live, work, and play.”
The legislation increases the penalties for employers violating YESA to the following:
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For the first offense, a one-year misdemeanor and/or a fine up to $5,000;
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For the second offense, a two-year felony and/or a fine up to $25,000;
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For the third or subsequent offense, a five-year felony and/or a fine up to $50,000.
Furthermore, the bills introduce harsher penalties for cases where a minor is killed or severely injured while working in violation of YESA. The employer would face a felony charge and a fine between $50,000 and $500,000. The first offense would result in a five-year felony, the second offense in a 10-year felony, and a third or subsequent offense in a 20-year felony.
The bills will now move to the Senate floor for consideration by the full chamber.
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