Us Congress House Bill HB4353

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/10/25
• Refer: 7/10/25

Caption

Timothy J. Barber Act

Impact

The bill is expected to have significant implications for workplace safety regulations. By requiring a thorough assessment of OSHA's spending and its effectiveness, the bill seeks to identify how federal funds can be optimized to better protect workers from heat-related illnesses. It proposes an analytical approach to evaluate past expenditures, which could lead to enhanced strategies for worker safety in vulnerable industries. Furthermore, it intends to push for legislative changes based on the study's findings to improve compliance assistance provided by OSHA.

Summary

House Bill 4353, known as the Timothy J. Barber Act, mandates the Secretary of Labor to initiate a study on the effectiveness of spending by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) towards providing technical and compliance assistance concerning heat-related illness. The bill highlights ongoing concerns about workplace safety, emphasizing the need for focused support in preventing heat-related conditions that can occur, particularly in industries where workers are exposed to extreme temperatures.

Contention

Discussions around HB4353 may center on the prioritization of health and safety regulations and the adequacy of existing support structures for industries most affected by extreme heat exposure. Some stakeholders might argue that without concrete funding increases or proactive measures, studies alone may not sufficiently enhance worker safety. Additionally, there could be debates related to the allocation of resources within OSHA and how findings from the bill’s mandated study can translate into tangible improvements for worker safety protocols.