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SB 497

Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for violation of the youth employment standards act; modify. Amends sec. 14b, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.14b). TIE BAR WITH: SB 496'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Thomas Albert

Michigan bill modifies criminal sentencing guidelines for youth employment law violations, with effects dependent on undisclosed companion legislation.

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Bill Summary · SB 497

Legislative bill overview

SB 497 modifies Michigan's sentencing guidelines by creating new sentencing provisions for violations of the state's youth employment standards act. The bill amends the existing sentencing guidelines framework and is tied to companion legislation (SB 496), suggesting coordinated changes to how violations of youth labor laws are penalized in the criminal justice system.

Why is this important

Youth employment violations can range from minor infractions to serious exploitation, and sentencing guidelines directly determine what consequences employers face for breaking child labor laws. This bill could either strengthen enforcement against child labor exploitation or reduce penalties depending on its specific provisions, affecting both worker protections and business compliance obligations.

Potential points of contention

  • Severity of penalties: Unclear whether guidelines increase, decrease, or restructure sentences for youth employment violations, which stakeholders will interpret based on child protection vs. business compliance priorities
  • Scope of covered violations: The bill's silence on which specific youth employment violations trigger these guidelines could create ambiguity about enforcement applicability
  • Relationship to SB 496: The tie-bar dependency means the bill's full impact cannot be assessed without seeing companion legislation, limiting public understanding at this stage

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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