N. Ky. Lawmakers Wants To Remove Smokers As Protected Class

Kentucky employers could be allowed to fire employees simply because they use tobacco.

(Union, Ky.) - If you are a smoker employed in Kentucky, you could soon be fired simply on the grounds that you smoke if a northern Kentucky lawmaker has his way.

State Senator John Schickel (R-Union) says he has pre-filed a bill which would remove tobacco users from the protected classes outlined in Kentucky's employment anti-discrimination law.

By doing that, the state’s employers could deny employment to anybody who smokes – solely for that reason.

The bill would also preserve employers' ability to charge different rates for smokers and nonsmokers utilizing sponsored health plans.

Schickel says it makes no sense for smokers to be a protected class. His bill will be considered when lawmakers meet for the 2019 lawmaking session in January.

According to 2016 data from the Centers for Disease Control, about a quarter of adults in Kentucky use tobacco, compared to a nation rate of about 17.1 percent.

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.
Rating *

Events

Lawrenceburg Police Officer Saved by Wife Following Cardiac Event

The incident took place on Monday while driving.

Governor Braun Delivers Another Month of Gas Savings for Hoosier Families

Indiana continues to have the cheapest gas prices in the country

ISP Conducts Target Enforcement Patrol Near Indiana/Ohio State Line

The results from Operation Guardrail are in.

Seven Earn ORVC Weekly Honors

See top performers for August 24-29

Local Sports Report - September 2, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Switzerland County Golf Star Sets School Record

Alexis Mangold put together an incredible nine-hole round on Tuesday night.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
George Strait - She Let Herself Go

Kenny Chesney Til It's Gone 19:31
Brad Paisley I'm Gonna Miss Her - EAGLE ONLY 19:28
Craig Morgan How You Make a Man 19:24
Ronnie Milsap Lost in the Fifties Tonight 19:19