HB 2775 Summary

• Establishes worker protections during public health emergencies, prohibiting employers from discriminating, retaliating, or taking adverse action against workers who raise health and safety concerns related to government health or safety rules.

• Prohibits employers from requiring workers to sign agreements that limit disclosure of workplace health and safety practices or hazards during a public health emergency, with violations deemed void and unenforceable.

• Protects workers from retaliation for voluntarily wearing personal protective equipment that meets federal, state, or local public health agency recommendations and does not prevent job performance.

• Creates administrative complaint procedures through the Labor Department with penalties of at least $100 per day for violations, plus potential reinstatement, back pay, or front pay for affected workers.

• Establishes civil court remedies allowing workers to recover damages of at least $10,000 or actual lost pay (whichever is greater), compensatory damages, punitive damages for intentional violations, and attorney fees; creates whistleblower enforcement with judgments of $100-$1,000 per violation.