The proposed General Assembly Committee Bill No. 8 seeks to strengthen protections for workers, particularly those in warehouse distribution centers, by establishing clear guidelines on quotas and work speed data. Effective October 1, 2025, the bill introduces definitions for key terms such as "employee," "employer," "quota," and "work speed data," and requires employers to provide written descriptions of quotas to employees. Starting July 1, 2026, employers must inform employees of any quota changes and ensure that these quotas do not interfere with meal breaks, bathroom access, or impose unreasonable performance standards. Employers are also prohibited from taking adverse actions against employees for not meeting quotas that violate these provisions. Additionally, the bill mandates that employers maintain accurate records of work speed data and quota descriptions for three years, and it protects employees from retaliation for requesting this information or filing civil actions for violations.

Furthermore, the bill introduces civil penalties for employers who violate labor regulations, with escalating fines of $1,000 for a first violation, $2,000 for a second, and $3,000 for subsequent violations. It also requires the Workers' Compensation Commission to monitor injury rates in warehouse distribution centers, prompting investigations by the Labor Commissioner if injury rates exceed a specified threshold. The bill amends existing unemployment law by clarifying that individuals will not be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits due to labor disputes lasting at least fourteen days, provided they are not involved in the dispute. Key language changes include the deletion of "provided" and its replacement with "except that," along with the addition of specific criteria regarding labor disputes and lockouts. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.