The Senate Labor Committee reported a legislative package aimed at strengthening Michigan’s child labor laws.
Key Points:
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- Senate Bills 963 – 965 were introduced by Senator Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), Senator Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), and Senator Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton).
- The plan transfers the authority to issue work permits for minors from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).
- It increases penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions.
- For the first offense, a one-year misdemeanor and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
- For the second offense, a two-year felony and/or a fine of up to $25,000.
- For the third or subsequent offense, a five-year felony and/or a fine of up to $50,000.
- Increases 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 would result in a 10-year felony.
- A third or subsequent offense would be a 20-year felony.
- 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 would have the authority to grant exceptions to YESA, but parents will have the ability to object to any special conditions requested by the employer. LEO can’t approve these conditions without parental consent.
Next Steps:
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- The bills were referred to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
