LANSING, Mich. (Nov. 7, 2024) — Today, the Senate passed legislation prioritizing the safety of Michigan’s young workforce and reforming Michigan’s child labor laws. Senate Bills 963–965, sponsored by Sens. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.) and Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or putting them in unsafe working conditions. The legislation 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).
“Employment opportunities for young Michiganders are a valuable way to gain employment experience, develop life skills and earn a paycheck. These opportunities should not, however, come at the cost of the health and safety — or, in the worst cases, the lives — of our youth workers,” said Sen. Santana. “By passing these bills, we are taking a firm step toward ensuring that our young workers can pursue these benefits in safe, fair conditions.”
The bills require minors and employers to be registered with LEO. Potential employers must comply with the state’s youth employment standards and obtain authorization from LEO before a minor begins working. LEO has the authority to grant exceptions to these standards, but parents will have the ability to object to any special conditions requested by the employer. LEO cannot approve these conditions without parental consent.
“Nowhere in our state should we have children exploited for economic gain,” said Sen. Cavanagh. “As we see systems that were meant to safeguard our children fall short, we must do everything in our power to build up these protections and prioritize the well-being of young Michiganders. By strengthening our child labor laws and ensuring businesses who seek to violate them face justice, we are making clear that here in Michigan, the health and safety of our children comes before a profit margin.”
In addition, the legislation establishes a new 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.
“Young Michiganders should be able to start their careers without compromising their safety or being taken advantage of. It’s our responsibility to ensure they’re protected and that no workplace places profit over the well-being of our youth,” said Sen. Camilleri. “These bills are a clear message: Michigan stands against the exploitation of young workers and upholds their right to safe, fair treatment on the job.”
The legislation increases the penalties for employers violating the Michigan Youth Employment Standards Act 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 the state’s standards. 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 are now moved to the House for further consideration.
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