KY HB814

Creates new wrongful discharge protections in Kentucky, making termination unlawful if it retaliates against employees for refusing to violate or reporting violations of public policy, lacks good cause after probation, or violates the employer's own written personnel policy

Establishes a probationary employment period of up to 9 months (or 6 months if employer doesn't specify), during which at-will termination remains permitted for any non-prohibited reason

Limits damages for wrongful discharge to lost wages and fringe benefits for a maximum of 4 years from discharge date, with interim earnings deducted; punitive damages available only upon clear and convincing evidence of oppression, fraud, or malice

Requires employees to exhaust employer's internal appeal procedures before filing court action, with a 90-day window before court filing becomes available regardless of internal process completion

Sets a 1-year statute of limitations for filing wrongful discharge claims, which tolls during internal procedures but cannot extend more than 120 days beyond the original deadline