Senate Panel OKs bill to insulate contractors

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Labor contractors would be protected from some litigation under a bill that has cleared a Senate panel.

If passed, the bill would insulate primary contractors from any liability for the illegal practices of their subcontractors.

Republican Sen. John Schickel of Union is the bill's sponsor. He says the measure treats a subcontractor as a separate legal entity, which would be verified through the Labor Cabinet.

Opponents of the bill included Kentucky State AFL-CIO President Bill Londrigan, who cautioned the committee that removing legal responsibilities from primary contractors would open the door to substandard safety practices at worksites and could deprive subcontractors of legal protection.

The measure cleared the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Tourism and Labor on a 6-2 vote Thursday.

The legislation is Senate Bill 81.