Rep. Meredith Files Bill To Protect Churches From Tax Law

District 19 Rep. Michael Lee Meredith

Representative Michael Meredith Files Legislation Exempting Some Churches from Kentucky’s Workers Compensation Laws

House Bill 206 covers ministers, custodial, and groundskeepers not employed full time by churches

FRANKFORT, Ky. (February 5, 2015) – Rep. Michael Meredith, R-Brownsville (19th District) filed legislation that if approved during the 2015 Regular Session would exempt some churches in Kentucky from workers’ compensation laws.  Rep. Meredith filed the bill after two churches in his district were fined by the Kentucky Labor Cabinet.

“One small church was fined $25,000 by the Kentucky Labor Cabinet.  A fine this heavy could likely have a devastating impact on most rural churches,” said Rep. Meredith.  “My bill seeks to exclude from Kentucky’s workers compensation laws for churches that don’t employ a minister or support staff.”

Rep. Meredith’s bill, introduced on the House floor as House Bill 206, would exempt any minster or lay staff that works 10 hours or less per week, or doesn’t have an oral or written agreement with a church or religious organization.  The proposal also covers caretakers of a cemetery or church property, including any one responsible for providing general cleaning services or other duties such as mowing.

Rep. Meredith filed House Bill 206 in the House on February 3rd.

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