HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Two state lawmakers are filing a bill to close the loophole that's left dozens of former Blackjewel miners protesting in Harlan County for the wages they have earned.
Senator Johnny Ray Turner and Representative Angie Hatton, who both represent eastern Kentucky, announced the measure Thursday. State law already requires companies to put up a performance bond to cover four weeks of payroll, but Turner and Hatton say that it is not often enforced.
Their bill would deny companies permits without the bond.
Attorney General Andy Beshear announced on Tuesday that he is investigating which companies have paid up.
