Bill pre-filed to discriminate against smokers

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- A state lawmaker has pre-filed a bill for the upcoming legislative session that would amend a state employment discrimination law, allowing employers to refuse to hire or to fire smokers.

Republican Senator John Schickel, of Union (Boone County – Northern Kentucky) pre-filed the bill.

The current law, KRS 344.040, states that it’s unlawful for an employer to discriminate because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age 40 and over, or because the person is a qualified individual with a disability or because the individual is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with any workplace policy concerning smoking.