HB938
Log in to followAN ACT relating to occupational health and safety.
Amend KRS 338.991 to increase the civil penalties for employers who have violated any provision of KRS Chapter 338, received a citation for a violation of the requirements of KRS Chapter 338, or failed to correct a violation for which a citation has been issued; require the secretary for the Education and Labor Cabinet to annually adjust the maximum civil penalties beginning in 2026 by the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Customers (CPI-U); direct the secretary to begin a 3 year phase-in for penalty adjustments beginning August 1, 2026.
Introduced: March 4, 2026
Last action: March 11, 2026
Plain-language summary
This bill would raise the fines that employers can be charged when they violate workplace health and safety rules, fail to fix a cited violation, or ignore requirements under Kentucky's occupational safety law. Starting in 2026, the maximum fines would be phased in over three years and then adjusted each year based on inflation. This is meant to keep penalties meaningful over time as the cost of living changes. Who it may affect: employers across Kentucky industries, and workers in workplaces subject to state occupational health and safety oversight.
Legislative History
Primary Sponsor
