Bill > HB398

This bill amends several sections of Kentucky law related to occupational safety and health, with several key provisions. The bill restricts the Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board from adopting or enforcing any safety regulations that are more stringent than federal provisions or that have not been promulgated by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It allows the Franklin Circuit Court to award actual expenses, including court costs and attorney's fees, against the Department of Workplace Standards in certain appeals. The bill modifies inspection procedures to allow employee representatives to accompany inspectors and requires that any inspection-related complaints include the date of the alleged violation. It establishes time limits for filing complaints and issuing citations, specifically prohibiting citations more than six months after a violation occurs. The bill also introduces the concept of "de minimis violations" - minor infractions with no direct safety or health implications - which would not result in civil penalties. Additionally, the bill provides that during any review proceedings, the time period for correcting cited violations will be paused until the action is concluded. These changes aim to streamline occupational safety and health enforcement processes and align state regulations more closely with federal standards.

Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb398.html