Kentucky Employment Law

Kentucky Civil Rights Act covers employers with 8+ employees. Includes unique off-duty smoking status protection.

At-Will

Yes

Right-to-Work

Yes

EEOC Deferral

300 days

Min. Wage

$7.25

Kentucky State Laws (1)

KCRA

Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 344.010-344.990

180 days
8+ employees

The Kentucky Civil Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age (40 and older), disability, and smoking status (off-duty use of tobacco). The Act applies to employers with eight or more employees and complaints must be filed within 180 days with the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights. Kentucky is notable for its protection of off-duty smokers but does not include sexual orientation or gender identity as protected classes at the state level.

Protected Classes

racecolorreligionnational originsexage (40+)disabilitysmoking status (off-duty)

Key Provisions

  • ✓Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age (40+), disability, and off-duty smoking status
  • ✓Covers employers with 8 or more employees
  • ✓Kentucky Commission on Human Rights investigates and adjudicates complaints
  • ✓Prohibits retaliation against employees who file complaints or participate in investigations
  • ✓Protects employees who use tobacco products off-duty from adverse employment actions

Remedies

Back payReinstatementCompensatory damagesPunitive damagesAttorney fees and costsInjunctive reliefCease-and-desist orders
File with: Kentucky Commission on Human Rights (KCHR)180 days from the discriminatory act

Federal Laws That Apply in Kentucky

These federal statutes protect workers nationwide, including in Kentucky. As a deferral state, the EEOC filing deadline is extended to 300 days for most claims.

Title VII15+ employees
300 days
ADA15+ employees
300 days
ADEA20+ employees
300 days
EPA1+ employees
730 days
PDA15+ employees
300 days
PWFA15+ employees
300 days
FMLA50+ employees
730 days
FLSA1+ employees
730 days
Section 19811+ employees
1460 days
GINA15+ employees
300 days
USERRA1+ employees
— days
NLRA1+ employees
180 days
OSH Act1+ employees
30 days
WARN Act100+ employees
— days
Rehabilitation Act1+ employees
300 days
SOX Section 8061+ employees
180 days
INA Section 1324b4+ employees
180 days

Check which laws apply to your situation in Kentucky

Our free assessment identifies applicable federal, state, and local protections based on your specific circumstances.

Check My Rights

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.Kentucky laws are subject to legislative changes. Consult a qualified employment attorney in Kentucky for advice about your specific situation. Last reviewed: February 2025.