Bill > HB593

This bill amends Kentucky state law to define "essential employees" and establish a special minimum wage for these workers during a state of emergency. Specifically, the bill defines essential employees as workers in critical industries such as healthcare, emergency services, public works, food supply chain, transportation, government operations, and manufacturing, among others. During a declared state of emergency, employers with annual gross revenues of at least $1 billion would be required to pay essential employees a hazard wage of at least $15 per hour for up to 40 hours per week, with overtime at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40. The hazard wage would be annually adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index, and if an employee's regular wage or the federal prevailing wage is higher, they would be paid at that rate. The bill clarifies that an essential employee cannot receive both their regular wage and the hazard wage simultaneously. This legislation aims to provide additional compensation and protection for workers in critical sectors during emergency situations, recognizing their increased risk and importance to maintaining essential services.

Business and Industry

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb593.html