Regulations/Legislation

Washington — Proposed legislation would create funding for health care and other benefits for coal miners who have black lung disease by extending, for 10 years, a recently expired excise tax rate increase on coal production.

Washington — Legislation recently introduced in the House and Senate is aimed at improving working conditions and whistleblower protections in the meat and poultry processing industry.

Washington — The Senate on Dec. 8 passed a Congressional Review Act resolution in an attempt to repeal OSHA’s emergency temporary standard on COVID-19 vaccination, testing and masking.

Washington — OSHA has extended until Jan. 26 the comment period for a proposed rule aimed at protecting workers from extreme heat exposure in indoor and outdoor settings.

Washington — Commercial motor vehicle drivers younger than 21 will be allowed to operate interstate under an apprenticeship pilot program established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law Nov. 15 by President Joe Biden.

Albany, NY — Legislation signed into law by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Oct. 28 expands whistleblower protections for the state’s private-sector employees.

Washington — Legislation introduced Oct. 20 by House and Senate Democrats would direct OSHA to publicize major workplace safety violations by widely distributing the news to local media outlets and other groups.

Washington — A coalition of 20 patient advocacy and partner organizations is calling on Congress to include national paid family and medical leave in its budget reconciliation bill.

New York — A group of 28 labor and workers’ rights organizations from New York state are urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to bring to a vote the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

Washington — Legislation recently introduced by House and Senate Republicans would prohibit the federal government from imposing a fine, fee or tax on workers or employers who don’t comply with COVID-19 vaccine mandates.