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09/24/2026
Employer Cheat Sheet for Workplace Laws Taking Effect in October 2026
Source: Fisher Phillips, September 18, 2026
The seasons are changing, and so are workplace laws across the country. As new legislation takes effect this fall, employers should be aware of changes that could impact their workplace policies, procedures and compliance responsibilities. For GMA members, we’ve pulled together state-specific updates for Ohio and Michigan, highlighting key developments employers in each state should have on their radar. Stay informed about what’s changing and what these updates could mean for your organization.
Michigan
- Youth employment authorizations (2024 HB 5594). Starting October 2, 2026, all youth work permits in Michigan must be obtained exclusively through the State of Michigan’s centralized work permit system, and employers must keep work permits on file. Learn more here (state website on the Youth Employment Standards Act).
Ohio
- Loosened Child Labor Restrictions (HB 455). Among other changes kicking in October 9, 2026, 14- and 15-year olds will soon be permitted to be employed between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. any night preceding a day school is not in session if the minor has approval from a parent or legal guardian. (Under current law, individuals of such age are prohibited from working past 7:00 p.m., except between June 1 and September 1 or during any school holiday of five school days or more). However, this change may be of little or no impact to employers subject to more protective provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, which supersede state law.
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