Summary of Bill S 1997

Bill Number: S 1997

Title: Relates to the protection of the health, safety and employment rights of employees suffering employment loss as the result of the sale or closure of a coal electric generation facility

Status: Referred to Energy and Telecommunications

Introduced: January 14, 2025

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 1997 aims to safeguard the health, safety, and employment rights of workers who face job loss due to the sale or closure of coal electric generation facilities. As the energy landscape shifts towards more sustainable sources, this legislation seeks to provide necessary protections and support for affected employees, ensuring they are not left vulnerable during this transition.

Key Provisions

While the specific text of the bill is not provided, the following key provisions can be anticipated based on the bill's title and intent:

• Employment Protections: The bill may include measures to protect employees from unjust termination and ensure they receive adequate notice and compensation in the event of facility closures or sales.

• Health and Safety Standards: It is likely that the bill will establish or reinforce health and safety standards for employees during the transition period, ensuring that workers are not exposed to hazardous conditions as facilities close or change ownership.

• Support Services: The legislation may propose the creation of support services, such as job retraining programs, counseling, and financial assistance, to help displaced workers transition to new employment opportunities.

• Reporting Requirements: There may be provisions requiring companies to report on the impacts of facility closures on their workforce, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Affected Parties

The primary beneficiaries of Bill S 1997 would be employees working in coal electric generation facilities who are at risk of losing their jobs due to industry changes. Additionally, the bill could impact:

• Employers: Coal electric generation companies would need to comply with the new regulations and provisions outlined in the bill.

• State Agencies: Agencies responsible for labor and employment may be tasked with implementing and overseeing the provisions of the bill.

• Community Organizations: Local organizations that support workforce development and transition may play a role in assisting affected workers.

Procedural Aspects

• Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on January 14, 2025, and has been referred to the Energy and Telecommunications Committee for further consideration.

• Related Bills: This bill is connected to several prior-session bills (S 9038, S 110, S 2697, and S 597), indicating ongoing legislative interest in the issues surrounding coal facility closures and employee protections.

Conclusion

Bill S 1997 represents a legislative effort to address the challenges faced by employees in the coal electric generation sector as the industry evolves. By focusing on health, safety, and employment rights, the bill aims to provide a framework for supporting workers during a critical transition period. Further developments will depend on the committee's review and subsequent legislative actions.