Ohio

Discussion

Ohio: Restrictions Loosened for Child Labor Hours

Effective October 9, 2026, HB 455 permits 14- and 15-year olds to be employed between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm any night preceding a day that school is not in session and pursuant to approval from a parent or legal guardian. This does not change the cap of 7:00 pm for work on a standard school night. The law does seem to be in conflict with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, which restricts 14- and 15-year-olds to working until 7:00 pm year-round so employers should continue monitoring the law for potential legal challenges.

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