A House bill under consideration would permit the Director of Labor and Industries (L&I) to waive or modify penalties against organizations that violate laws to preserve life during an emergency.

HB 2585, sponsored by Rep. Joe Schmick (R–Colfax), addresses the need for organizations to take action during an emergency using unconventional methods to preserve the lives of residents. The bill allows the Director of L&I to waive fees or penalties if:

• The violating act was required due to imminent danger or risk of serious injury or death; and
• No other practical or immediate option was available to the organization to use during the event.

Dates to remember

HB 2585 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee at 1:30 pm on Monday, January 27.