Kentucky Bill Proposes Elimination of Mandatory Lunch and Rest Breaks for Workers

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Phillip Pratt, aims to align state labor laws with federal standards, sparking controversy over workers' rights.

A Kentucky bill could remove the requirement for employers to provide lunch and rest breaks, aligning state laws with less stringent federal regulations.
Rep. Phillip Pratt, the bill's sponsor, claims the move is to modernize labor laws and reduce employer confusion, despite criticism over potential impacts on worker welfare.
Critics argue the bill would weaken protections for workers, making work conditions more dangerous and reducing fair compensation for overtime and travel time.
The bill also proposes reducing the statute of limitations for employment lawsuits and limiting punitive damages for wrongful termination cases.
Despite opposition, the bill's passage is uncertain, with potential veto from the Democratic Governor but a possibility of override by the Republican-majority legislature.