House Bill 400 Summary

• Creates new confidentiality protections for investigation records under labor law articles, making files exempt from public inspection while investigations are pending, except cited persons receive copies of official inspection reports.

• Requires device and amusement equipment owners to notify the Commissioner within 24 hours of incidents resulting in death, serious injury, or substantial defects, with the department mandating investigation initiation within 24 hours of notification.

• Expands the definition of "amusement device" exclusions to include locomotives, trains, and railroad cars operating on standard United States railroad gauge track.

• Grants the Division Director authority to obtain medical records from the Department of Health and Human Services, hospitals, and emergency services providers for investigations, with records classified as strictly confidential non-public materials.

• Protects witness and complainant identities by prohibiting disclosure of their names or identifying information in court or administrative proceedings unless the witness or complainant provides written authorization.

• Redefines "full-time" employment for legal practice disqualification purposes as working more than 32 hours per week, allowing part-time assistant district attorneys and public defenders working 32 hours or less weekly to engage in private legal practice.