A Kentucky judge has issued a temporary injunction blocking Governor Matt Bevin's executive order that abolished the Workers Compensation Nominating Commission and recreated a new one.
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd issued the order Wednesday and said it will remain in effect until he issues a final ruling. ‘Administrative law judges’ decide if and how much employers have to pay workers hurt on the job.
These judges are appointed by the governor, however, state law says appointments have be nominated by the Workers Compensation Nominating Commission.
Last month, with an unprecedented six vacancies to fill, Bevin abolished the commission, re-wrote the law and recreated the commission with new members by executive order.
Two labor unions and four injured workers have filed a lawsuit challenging the move.
Bevin's press secretary, Amanda Stamper, said the governor's office believes the ruling is wrong and is considering legal options, including possible appeal.
This story has been updated
