Introduced

Passed House

Passed Senate

Became law

Adjourned sine die. The bill was pending when the session ended, so it did not pass.

Last action · March 11, 2026

To Economic Development & Workforce Investment (H)

Introduced March 4, 2026

House

Adjourned Sine Die

2026 Regular Session

HB938

AN 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.

Labor and Industry Occupational Safety and Health Safety Small Business State Agencies Personnel and Employment

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This bill raises the maximum fines that can be imposed on employers who violate Kentucky's workplace safety laws, fail to fix cited violations, or ignore safety requirements. Starting in 2026, those maximum fines would also be adjusted each year based on inflation. The goal is to keep penalties meaningful over time as costs change. Who it may affect: employers across Kentucky, particularly small businesses, and workers in industries with occupational safety and health oversight.

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