Bill Would Allow Employers to Discriminate Against Smokers

It's no secret the state of Kentucky has one if not the highest lung cancer rates in the country. Thus, cigarette taxes have gone up 50 cents a pack, a health initiative, Quit Now Kentucky, has been ongoing, but now if state senator gets his way, employees who smoke would face discrimination.

Republican John Schickel who represents Boone County in the State House, has introduced/pre-filed a bill that would remove smoking from a list of categories that employers can't discriminate against. There are protections for disability, race, religion, national origin, sex, or age.

State law already allows for stop-smoking incentives and a difference in employee contributions for smokers.

The bill has not yet advanced in the State Senate.