Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs bills in her office on Jan. 26, 2024.
LANSING, Mich., Jan 21, 2025 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 5594 into law last week. This new law transfers the work permit process for minors from school districts to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and requires the department to create a database of employers who wish to hire minors and where minors can register their work availability.
“This legislation will benefit both workers and businesses, and I am thrilled to see it signed into law,” said state Rep. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids), who introduced the bill. “Creating a database within LEO will offer better opportunities for Michiganders under the age of 18 to find employment while ensuring they are provided with safe, sanitary working conditions. This also gives businesses more opportunities to find employees.”
The new database required by this law will protect minors from exploitative working conditions by ensuring they are in compliance with the Youth Employment Standards Act.
“It is imperative that we make sure minors are protected from exploitative conditions at work and this new law does just that,” Skaggs said. “High schoolers across Michigan are eager to work and earn money for a car, to save for college and many other important things. It is our job to make sure they are adequately supported and protected.”
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