The bill amends the Youth Employment Standards Act of 1978 to enhance the legal framework surrounding the employment of minors in Michigan. Key changes include the removal of the requirement for a registration system for employers and minors, and the introduction of a more structured process for issuing work permits. The bill specifies that minors must not be employed in hazardous occupations and outlines the conditions under which minors aged 11 and older can work in specific roles, such as athletic referees and golf caddies. Additionally, it clarifies the responsibilities of issuing officers and the conditions under which work permits can be revoked.

Furthermore, the bill strengthens enforcement measures by allowing the department to inspect workplaces and ensuring that employers cannot retaliate against minors exercising their rights under the act. It also revises penalties for violations, increasing fines and establishing harsher consequences for employers who knowingly violate the act, particularly in cases where a minor is harmed. The bill repeals certain sections of the previous law that are no longer applicable, streamlining the legal framework for youth employment in Michigan.