H.R. 86: Nullify Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act

This bill, known as the Nullify Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act (or NOSHA Act), proposes the complete repeal of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which would effectively abolish the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Key Provisions

• The bill aims to dismantle the federal agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions in various industries.
• By repealing the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the bill removes existing regulations and standards that protect workers from job-related hazards.
• The bill does not specify any replacement for the OSHA’s functions, meaning that workplace safety oversight would revert to state authorities or possibly become unregulated, depending on the state laws.

Implications

• Without OSHA, it would be up to individual states to enforce their own workplace safety standards, leading to a patchwork of regulations that could vary significantly from one state to another.
• Workplace safety regulations that have been in place for decades, aimed at reducing workplace accidents and health risks, would no longer be enforced at the federal level.

Process and Sponsorship

• The bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Mr. Biggs of Arizona on January 3, 2025.
• It has been referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce for further consideration.

Potential Reactions

• The proposed legislation may lead to increased debate regarding worker protections and employer responsibilities across different states.
• Advocates for workplace safety may express concern over the potential decrease in safety regulations, while those in favor of reducing governmental oversight might support the bill.

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