This bill mandates that every employer in Kansas provide meal and rest periods for employees, establishing specific guidelines for their duration and conditions. Employers must offer a meal period of at least 30 continuous minutes for work periods of six hours or more, and if not provided, must compensate the employee for that time. The bill defines "undue hardship" as significant difficulty or expense for the employer, allowing exemptions under certain conditions, such as industry practices or unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, it prohibits the combination of meal and rest periods and allows employees to waive their meal periods under specific conditions, including written consent and the ability to revoke the waiver.
The legislation also outlines the requirements for rest periods, stipulating that employees are entitled to breaks based on the length of their work periods. Employers are required to provide rest periods separately from meal periods and must maintain records of compliance. Violations of these provisions can result in penalties, including fines up to $2,000 for coercing employees into waiving their meal periods. The bill emphasizes the importance of employee rights regarding meal and rest breaks while providing a framework for employers to follow.