COLUMBUS, OH (WOWO) Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has vetoed a bill that would have allowed 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. on school nights. The decision keeps current restrictions in place, limiting school-night work to 7 p.m according to WTOL.

senate Bill 50, introduced by Ohio Senator Tim Schaffer on January 28, passed the Ohio Senate on April 9 with a vote of 24-9 and later passed the House 62-30 on November 5. The bill would have allowed young teens to work later on any night of the year, provided a parent or legal guardian approved the schedule.

In his veto message, Governor DeWine acknowledged the value of teens learning to work, but said there is no reason to change the current law. “The only thing at issue here is whether, for 14- and 15-year-olds, DURING THE SCHOOL WEEK, the time when work must cease is 7 p.m. or 9 p.m.,” he wrote. “I believe the current law has served us well and has effectively balanced the importance of 14- and 15-year-old children learning to work, with the importance of them having time to study.”

Under existing law, teens in this age group may work until 9 p.m. during summer months or school breaks longer than five days, but must stop at 7 p.m. on school nights. The veto preserves this framework.

Closing:
The governor’s decision highlights the ongoing balancing act between teenage work experience and educational priorities.