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H.R. 9298House117th Congress (2021-2023)In Committee

To direct the Secretary of Labor to conduct a study on implementing a process through which a State or business may apply for an exemption from enforcement of certain occupational safety and health standards on the basis of economic hardship, and for other purposes.

Sponsored by Madison CawthornRep. Madison Cawthorn (R-NC)
Introduced November 15, 2022

AI-Generated Summary

Updated February 8, 2026 at 6:19 PM UTC

The bill directs the Secretary of Labor to study how a state or business could apply for an exemption from OSHA safety and health standards when those standards cause a significant economic hardship. It requires the study to outline a possible exemption process and the steps needed to put it into law. The Secretary must finish the study and report its findings within one year, sending the report to the Speaker of the House and publishing it in the Federal Register. The bill affects the Department of Labor, state and local governments, and businesses subject to OSHA regulations.

Key Provisions

  • The Secretary of Labor must conduct a study to develop recommendations for a process allowing states or businesses to request exemptions from OSHA standards due to economic hardship.
  • The study must identify any legislative changes and other actions needed to implement such an exemption process.
  • Within one year of enactment, the Secretary must submit a report of the study’s results to the Speaker of the House and publish it in the Federal Register.

Legislative Activity

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HouseIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Education and Workforce Committee

November 15, 2022

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

November 15, 2022

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Education and Workforce Committee

November 15, 2022

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued November 15, 2022

I

117th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 9298

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

November 15, 2022

Mr. Cawthorn introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor

A BILL

To direct the Secretary of Labor to conduct a study on implementing a process through which a State or business may apply for an exemption from enforcement of certain occupational safety and health standards on the basis of economic hardship, and for other purposes.

1.

Study on certain exemptions from occupational safety and health standards

(a)

In general

The Secretary of Labor shall conduct a study to develop recommendations for implementing a process through which a State or business may apply for an exemption from an occupational safety and health standard in effect under section 6(a) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 655(a)) on the basis that such standard causes a significant economic hardship to such State or business, including the following:

(1)

Legislative actions necessary to implement such process.

(2)

Other actions necessary to implement such process.

(b)

Report

Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Speaker of the House and publish in the Federal Register a report containing the results of the study.