H.R.86 - Nullify Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act; NOSHA Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.86, also known as the NOSHA Act, proposes to abolish the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and repeal the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Biggs of Arizona and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce. The bill seeks to eliminate OSHA entirely.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the NOSHA Act would eliminate all federal workplace safety regulations enforced by OSHA. This would shift the responsibility for workplace safety entirely to the states or individual employers. It is expected that workplace safety standards would decrease.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduced regulatory burden on businesses.
- Could lead to increased business flexibility in managing workplace safety.
- May result in lower costs for businesses associated with OSHA compliance.
- Could foster innovation in safety practices tailored to specific industries without federal mandates.
- Potentially reduces the size and scope of the federal government.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Likely decrease in workplace safety standards and enforcement.
- Increased risk of workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
- Potential for inconsistent safety standards across different states.
- Reduced protection for workers, especially in hazardous industries.
- Could lead to increased healthcare costs associated with workplace injuries.
Constitutional Alignment
The constitutionality of abolishing OSHA is complex. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce under Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (the Commerce Clause), which has historically been used to justify federal workplace safety regulations. However, arguments could be made that such regulations infringe upon states' rights under the Tenth Amendment. The Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) grants Congress the power to enact laws necessary to execute its enumerated powers, which could support or oppose the NOSHA Act depending on one's interpretation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).