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HB 5594

Labor: youth employment; youth employment standards act; modify work permit issuance procedures. Amends secs. 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 & 20 of 1978 PA 90 (MCL 409.102 et seq.) & adds secs. 4a, 4b, 4c & 4d.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Veronica Paiz and 2 co-sponsors

Centralizes youth work by transferring minor permit issuance from schools to LEO and launching an online registration system to regulate minors' hours and compliance.

assigned PA 196'24
#education:students #labor:workingconditions #labor:youthemployment
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Bill Summary · HB 5594

Summary — HB 5594 / Public Act 196 of 2024

Subject: Youth Employment Standards Act — work permits, registration, hours, and deviations

Main purpose

To modernize and centralize Michigan’s minor work‑permit system by moving issuance and administration from school issuing officers to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), create an online registration and employer authorization system, align hours for 14–15 year‑olds with federal standards, and narrow circumstances under which deviations may be granted for older minors.

Key provisions

  • Transfer of permit authority

    • On or after 18 months after the act’s effective date, work permits must be issued by the LEO director (or designee) rather than school issuing officers. (Effective date of the act: April 2, 2025 → transition date: October 2, 2026.)
    • Schools are relieved of routine permit issuance; employers must notify LEO when employment terminates after the transition.

  • Online registration and employer authorization

    • LEO must create and maintain a free public online registration system for minors (or parents/guardians) and employers.
    • The system must collect minor identity, age, home/contact information, parent/guardian contact, and allow description of physical limitations.
    • Employers must register worksites, list minors currently employed, and submit a signed statement under penalty of perjury that they will comply with youth employment laws.
    • LEO will maintain a database of authorized youth employers; employer entries may be displayed online (per H‑2 language).

  • Approval timeline and review

    • After a minor and employer register, the director must determine compliance and notify the employer, minor, and parent/guardian within 5 days (if no notice, employer may begin employment).
    • Parents/guardians have 5 days from notice to withhold consent to any requested deviation (if withheld, that deviation or portion is not authorized).
    • Registration requirements do not apply to minors already employed on the transition date until the minor changes employers, changes primary work location, or turns 16.

  • Work hours and limits for 14–15 year‑olds

    • Hours aligned with federal standards:
    • June 1–Labor Day: permitted hours 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
    • Rest of year: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
    • While school is in session: max 3 hours/day and 18 hours/week.
    • When school is not in session: max 40 hours/week (no daily limit).

  • Deviations restricted for older minors

    • Deviations may not authorize employment between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
    • Deviations may not authorize minors to work in hazardous or injurious occupations.

  • Exemptions

    • Certain agricultural detasseling/seed production work (age 13+) and unpaid volunteer activities (501(c)(3) organizations, fairs/exhibitions) are exempt from the permit/registration requirements, but other act provisions still apply.

  • Administration and enforcement

    • LEO director authorized to promulgate implementing rules.
    • Registration system data (except the youth employer database) is exempt from disclosure under FOIA, except as needed for enforcement/implementation.

Who is affected

  • Minors (under 18), particularly 14–17 year‑olds and their parents/guardians.
  • Employers who hire minors statewide (private employers and public entities).
  • Local schools and issuing officers (will no longer issue permits after transition).
  • LEO (new administrative, IT, and enforcement responsibilities).

Fiscal and timeline notes

  • Enacted as Public Act 196 of 2024. Effective April 2, 2025.
  • Transition for LEO to begin issuing permits: 18 months after effective date (approx. October 2, 2026).
  • Estimated costs to LEO (per fiscal analyses): one‑time IT/setup ~$810,000; ongoing ~$310,000/year; includes hiring additional FTEs. No additional revenue source provided.

Additional points

  • Employers must maintain evidence of age where specified and comply with all other youth employment provisions.
  • The law narrows avenues for late‑night or hazardous work by minors and centralizes oversight to facilitate uniform statewide administration.

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

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