This bill amends various sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska concerning labor, particularly focusing on workers' compensation insurance and safety programs. It eliminates provisions related to safety committees and programs, terminates the Workplace Safety Consultation Program Cash Fund, and repeals sections associated with safety compliance. A key modification in Section 44-3,158 clarifies the conditions under which an employer is deemed to be acting in good faith for workers' compensation insurance coverage, specifically removing the requirement for adherence to safety committee regulations. The bill also updates the criteria for the cancellation and nonrenewal of workers' compensation insurance policies, ensuring that coverage remains valid until proper notice is provided.

Furthermore, the bill establishes new criteria for selecting employers for inspections based on factors such as workers' compensation insurance premiums, accident history, and workplace hazards. It mandates that identified hazards be eliminated within a reasonable timeframe, with non-compliant employers potentially referred to federal enforcement agencies. The Commissioner of Labor is granted the authority to conduct repeat inspections at their discretion, with associated costs borne by the employer. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate records of safety consultations and inspections while providing protections for individuals who report workplace hazards from civil liability.

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