Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2001-01-12 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2001-01-12 Senate Journal Page 0065 SB 31 SENATE BILL NO. 31 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act related to minimum civil penalties for the death of employees due to violations of certain occupational health and safety requirements; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce, Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Labor & Work Force Development Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12: Dear President Halford: In many worker fatality situations, death is the result of serious violations of health and safety laws. Yet due to mandatory penalty reductions for employer size or prior record, fines for these violations may be as little as $1,500. In these tragedies, the penalty clearly does not fit the offense. This bill I transmit today establishes a minimum civil penalty of $25,000 for a serious violation that contributed to the death of an employee, and a $50,000 fine when an employer's willful or repeat violation contributes to or causes death. These penalties could not be reduced without express written approval of the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the attorney general. 2001-01-12 Senate Journal Page 0066 This bill is modeled after Minnesota's law for penalties for violation of occupational safety and health standards and makes a clear statement that worker fatalities due to violations of workplace safety laws are intolerable. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor