An Act providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a declared public health state of emergency

HD 2600 requires private employers with 11+ employees providing essential services (as defined by the Governor's emergency orders) to pay essential workers hazard pay equal to 1.5 times their regular rate during a declared public health emergency. It also mandates employers provide free, required personal protective equipment (PPE) and prohibits penalties for workers who refuse unsafe work due to health risks, vulnerable household members, or lack of childcare during the emergency. The law excludes government workers and certain exempt employees, and enforcement is handled by the Attorney General's office under existing wage laws. This directly affects private-sector essential businesses and their frontline workers during active public health emergencies.