Bill to Remove Required Lunch Breaks and Rest Periods for Kentucky Employees Sparks Debate

A newly proposed bill, HB 500, is creating controversy across Kentucky as it seeks to eliminate the state requirement for employers to provide workers with lunch and rest breaks. Introduced by Republican Rep. Phillip Pratt from Georgetown, the bill was approved by the House Small Business and Information Technology Committee, advancing despite strong opposition from labor organizations and concerns raised by several legislators.

What the Bill Proposes

HB 500 aims to repeal Kentucky’s labor statutes, which currently require employees to receive:

A lunch break between three to five hours into their shift.

Rest periods every four hours of work.

Additionally, the bill would:

Prevent employers from facing penalties for not paying minimum wage or overtime when employees are traveling to and from the workplace.

Remove the requirement for overtime pay on the seventh consecutive day of work for those who work more than 40 hours in a week.

Rep. Pratt argues that the bill is intended to align state regulations with federal labor laws, which do not mandate lunch or rest breaks. “Employers are finding it confusing to navigate between state and federal law. This bill seeks to simplify that,” he stated.

Labor Groups and Democrats Push Back

Unions and worker advocacy groups, such as the Kentucky State AFL-CIO, have voiced strong objections. They argue that the bill endangers workplace protections that have been in place for decades, ensuring employees’ health and safety.

Dustin Pugel, policy director at the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, warned that the proposed changes could force workers to eat on the job and discourage them from taking necessary precautions. “These protections exist for a reason,” he said. “Removing them would make workplaces more dangerous by depriving workers of adequate rest.”

Concerns Over Worker Safety

One of the primary concerns raised involves the potential impact on worker safety. The bill could lead to scenarios where workers, such as those in hazardous environments, might not be compensated for the time they spend preparing for dangerous tasks, such as putting on protective equipment. Duane Hammons, director of the Kentucky Division of Wages and Hours, echoed these concerns, stating that the bill risks eroding decades of hard-earned protections.

“Decade-old standards exist to protect the safety and well-being of Kentucky’s workforce. This bill threatens that,” Hammons warned.

Mixed Reactions from Legislators

Although the GOP-controlled committee passed the bill, several Republican members expressed reservations. Rep. Ryan Dotson, R-Winchester, voiced concerns about how the bill might unintentionally affect emergency responders but still voted for its advancement. “Bills always have unintended consequences,” Rep. Pratt acknowledged, assuring that they would address these issues if they arose.

On the other hand, Democrats like Rep. Rachel Roberts, D-Newport, called the legislation “dangerous.” Roberts pointed out that it could harm workers in high-stakes roles such as first responders, forcing them to work longer hours with less pay. “We are asking our constituents to work harder for less, which will ultimately result in fewer payroll taxes and more mistakes on the job.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the outcry from labor groups and some lawmakers, Rep. Pratt remains confident in the bill’s necessity. “Businesses across Kentucky have requested these measures to simplify their operations and avoid confusion between state and federal labor laws,” he explained. Critics, however, argue that the bill is a step backward for employee rights and safety in the state.

As the debate continues, Kentucky workers and businesses alike will be watching closely to see if HB 500 becomes law.