Michigan House Bill HB4932

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/23/23
• Refer: 8/23/23
• Refer: 9/20/23
• Report Pass: 10/19/23

Caption

Labor: youth employment; youth employment standards act; modify penalties for certain violations. Amends secs. 2, 3, 20, 21 & 22 of 1978 PA 90 (MCL 409.102 et seq.).

Impact

The proposed changes reflect a balance between promoting youth employment opportunities and ensuring their safety in the workforce. By allowing minors to participate in structured roles, the bill advocates for responsible job opportunities while still protecting them from dangerous work environments. Importantly, it modifies penalties for violations of these standards, increasing the ramifications for employers who fail to adhere to labor laws, ranging from misdemeanors to higher felony classifications depending on the severity of the violation and any harm caused to the minor.

Summary

House Bill 4932 aims to amend the Youth Employment Standards Act in Michigan, focusing on the age and working conditions permitted for minors in various occupations. The bill seeks to regulate the minimum age of employment, which is established at 14 years, but allows for exceptions where younger minors can engage in specific roles such as referees or golf caddies, provided they have appropriate supervision and consent from guardians. Furthermore, the bill clearly outlines hazardous occupations that minors should not be engaged in, emphasizing the safety and health of young workers.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB4932 revealed some contention regarding the level of protection extended to minors versus the potential for job opportunities. Proponents argue that the bill increases job access for youth while ensuring necessary safeguards are in place, while detractors express concerns over the adequacy of these protections. The discussion also emphasizes the need for strict enforcement by the Department of Labor to ensure compliance with the revised law and to effectively penalize employers who violate child labor standards. The enforcement mechanisms are seen as critical to maintaining the spirit of the legislation, which aims to protect minors in the labor market while enabling them to gain valuable work experience.