This bill amends various sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, focusing on labor regulations, particularly concerning workers' compensation insurance and workplace safety. It eliminates provisions related to safety committees and programs, repealing sections associated with these topics, and terminates the Workplace Safety Consultation Program Cash Fund, with remaining funds directed to the General Fund. The bill modifies the criteria for employers to be considered in good faith for obtaining workers' compensation insurance by removing the requirement for compliance with safety committee regulations. Additionally, it revises the cancellation and nonrenewal processes for workers' compensation insurance policies, ensuring coverage remains effective until proper notice is provided and clarifying conditions for cancellation.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that all employers will be subject to workplace safety inspections based on factors indicating the likelihood of injuries, such as their safety history and workers' compensation insurance costs. It mandates the elimination of identified hazards within a reasonable timeframe, with non-compliant employers potentially referred to federal safety agencies. The Commissioner of Labor is granted authority to conduct repeat inspections at their discretion, with associated costs borne by the employer. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate records and clarifies that the state and its employees will not be liable for accidents related to the Workplace Safety Consultation Program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48-144.03, 48-446