State Laws

Sacramento, CA — Employees in California who have “reasonable concerns about health and safety violations” would be allowed to refuse work while still receiving full pay, under legislation introduced in late February.

Springfield, IL — Legislation that would direct the Illinois Department of Labor to establish – by Jan. 1 – standards intended to protect workers from excessive heat and cold is advancing in the state House.

Frankfort, KY — Kentucky legislators have responded quickly to Gov. Andy Beshear’s (D) veto of a bill that would have limited enforcement of any new or existing state workplace safety and health regulations that are more stringent than federal OSHA standards.

Frankfort, KY — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) has vetoed a bill that would have limited enforcement of any new or existing state workplace safety and health regulations that are more stringent than federal OSHA standards.

Augusta, ME — A bill recently introduced in the Maine Legislature would amend state law to allow employees younger than 16 to work expanded hours throughout the year.

New York — The number of construction workers killed in New York state jumped 48% in 2023 from 2022, translating to an 8.3% increase in the fatality rate, according to a recent report from a worker advocacy group.

Sacramento, CA — Legislation that would require autonomous delivery vehicles traveling on California highways to have a trained human operator on board is on the move in the state Assembly.

Tukwila, WA — The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has scheduled two stakeholder meetings on its forthcoming requirements on tower crane permits and safety.

Albany, NY — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has signed legislation that alters and delays implementation of the Retail Worker Safety Act.

Frankfort, KY — A bill that would limit enforcement of any new or existing state workplace safety and health regulations that are more stringent than federal OSHA standards is advancing in the Kentucky Legislature.