Bill > HB0791

This bill introduces the "Workers' Right to Live Act," which establishes comprehensive workplace safety accountability measures in Tennessee. The legislation requires employers to report workplace fatalities within 24 hours to state authorities, with a $50,000 penalty for non-compliance. When a workplace fatality occurs, the state will conduct an investigation to determine whether the death resulted from employer negligence, an unavoidable medical emergency, or a true accident. If negligence is found, employers will face significant financial penalties, including a mandatory fine of at least $250,000 per fatality, payable to a new worker protection fund. Additionally, employers with state economic development agreements may be required to repay any incentives received during the previous three fiscal years, and those demonstrating a pattern of negligence can be barred from receiving state economic incentives for up to five years. The bill also creates a dedicated worker protection fund to collect these penalties, with funds earmarked for workplace safety initiatives. The legislation aims to hold businesses accountable for workplace safety, provide a clear mechanism for reporting worker deaths, and establish financial consequences for preventable workplace fatalities, with rules to be developed that include whistleblower protections for employees reporting unsafe conditions.

Business and Industry

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0791&ga=114