New Youth Employment Permit Portal Opens Soon: The Ongoing Legislative Conversation 

Article courtesy of SBAM’s Advocacy and Policy team

Michigan employers hiring minors will begin using a new statewide online permit system starting October 2, the Youth Employment Permit Portal, (YEPP). This system takes schools out of the permitting process, and centralizes issuance of future permits under the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).  

For many small businesses, this change could simplify the youth hiring process. Some employers have reported delays from schools in the past, and many school districts wanted the process out of their purview. At the same time, the shift represents a new system that could present some confusion or difficulties for other owners. To help ensure a smooth transition, LEO has compiled a list of resources on the department website to help employers familiarize themselves with the new system. They are encouraging employers to register early to avoid future delays.  

What to Know:

• Beginning October 2, 2026, all new youth employment permits must be obtained through YEPP. Schools will stop issuing permits altogether at that time.  

• A valid school-issued permit obtained before October 2nd remains valid – a minor does not need a replacement permit just because the system changed.  

• A minor must have a valid permit before starting work unless an exemption applies.  

• All applicable youth employment rules on hours, supervision, and prohibited work still apply.  

Why the Change?

This new portal is the implementation of Public Act 196 of 2024, which moved Michigan toward a centralized registration and permitting system for minor employment. While this change was just made in 2024, lawmakers are already considering a different approach. House Bill 5727, introduced by Representative Mike Hoadley (R-Au Gres), passed the Michigan House of Representatives on a party-line vote in July. This bill would eliminate the work permit requirement altogether rather than giving the process back to schools. Under the bill, employers would be responsible for obtaining and retaining a copy validating a minor employee’s age. The bill would also restore several provisions of the Youth Employment Standards Act that were in place before the 2024 changes. Representative Hoadley has argued that instead of adding another permit step, the state should rely on simple age verification, with schools stepping in when a student’s grades or attendance become a concern. HB 5727 now sits in the Democratic-controlled Michigan Senate, which is expected to resist undoing a work permit law it approved last term. For now, the permit requirement remains in effect, so employers who plan to hire minors should register with the new portal early before October 2nd and continue to track SBAM’s advocacy updates as the conversation continues.

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