Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:53.039><c> Relations</c><00:07:53.440><c> and</c> of Labor and Industrial Relations and of
• Labor and Industrial Relations and Support.
• </c><00:09:10.800><c> and</c> First up is Department of Labor and First up is Department of Labor and
• c> Industrial</c> Department of Labor and Industrial Department of Labor and Industrial Relations<00:
• </c> cultural exchange program, not a labor cultural exchange program, not a labor program.<01:58:10.800

Bills: HB1946, HB1515, HB1514, HB1648, HB1644, HB1619, HB1571, HB1810, HB2475, HB1645, HB2301, HB1889, HB1840

Keywords: time shares, registration, renewal, real estate, Hawaii, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, workers' compensation, functional capacity examination, occupational therapy, physical therapy, employer responsibilities, injured workers, medical stabilization, vocational rehabilitation, injury recovery, employment services, return to work, nonprescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, healthcare providers

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 26, 2026, and heard several bills, mostly in the areas of workers’ compensation and consumer protection. HB 1946 HD1 on timeshare registration renewal drew support from DCCA’s timeshare program and major industry groups including Hilton Grand Vacations, the American Resort Development Association, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide, with no opposition noted. HB 1515 HD1, which would allow an attending physician to request a functional capacity examination without employer permission, was supported by DLIR and the Department of Human Resources Development and had no other in-person testimony; the bill was then moved on without questions. The committee spent substantial time on HB 1514 HD1, which would streamline workers’ compensation vocational rehabilitation by clarifying provider selection and requiring vocational plans within 90 days. DLIR supported the intent but asked for amendments, saying the 90-day deadline was too rigid given case-by-case complexity, limited staffing, and the need for coordination among injured workers, employers, and counselors; members discussed possible extensions and whether a 120-day timeline or other flexibility would be better. Testimony on the bill included one individual in support and seven in opposition. HB 1648 HD1, concerning workers’ compensation and physician dispensing of non-prescription drugs, drew support from DHRD and comments from DLIR and industry witnesses. DLIR said the bill should be narrowed so it does not restrict medically necessary over-the-counter medications or oral guidance from providers, while Aloha Billing Company and Solera Integrated Medical Solutions urged tighter limits on physician dispensing and raised concerns about pricing abuse through average wholesale price. Members discussed clarifying the bill’s language so it targets written prescriptions rather than oral advice. HB 1644 HD1, requiring a standardized disclosure form for residential solar contracts, received support from the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, while DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection supported the consumer-protection goal but proposed stronger remedies, including a three-day cancellation right, voidability for missing disclosures, and possible lender liability; members questioned how those remedies should apply to lenders, and no vote was taken on the measures in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Government, Labor, and Elections. >> Thank you, Madam. >> [clears throat] >> Excuse me.
• The initiative is a co-curricular program that aims to equip students with skills, knowledge, and real-world
• The initiative is a co-curricular program that aims to equip students with skills, knowledge, and real-world
• program that aims to equip<00:25:31.200><c> students</c><00:25:31.560><c> with</c><00:25:31.720><c> skills
• ,</c><00:25:32.200><c> knowledge,</c> equip students with skills, knowledge, equip students with skills

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, March 6, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But this is the number of beds that we provide, skilled nursing and assisted living. second.
• But this is the number of beds that we provide, skilled nursing and assisted living facility beds all
• Not only is it going to have the standard skilled nursing beds, which are phenomenal private rooms.
• Those are good leadership skills to be able to have someone push you. It's always good. Yes, sir.
• The federal program is for skilled nursing care and domiciliary care, assisted living facilities, but

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Major General James Hartzell of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs on the agency’s mission, outreach efforts, state veterans nursing homes, and support programs. He highlighted Florida’s large and growing veteran population, the state’s existing nursing homes and the planned 10th home in Collier County, and the department’s dental assistance program, which served 245 veterans in the first quarter of the fiscal year and completed 1,631 procedures while saving more than $525,000. He also discussed veteran service officers, the benefits guide, the department newsletter, efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, and mental health outreach through the Overwatch/Firewatch program. Senators asked about future nursing home locations, adult day health care, homelessness, and the dental program; Hartzell also announced that retired Colonel D.J. Reyes will become deputy executive director on November 7. The committee then heard from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Division of Emergency Management, on disaster response, recovery, and agency modernization. He described the State Emergency Response Team, the new Florida Central Operations and Coordination Office warehouse in Auburndale, and the new state emergency operations center in Tallahassee, which is ahead of schedule and designed to hold about 220 people and withstand 200-mph winds. Guthrie reviewed recovery efforts for recent storms, including debris removal, volunteer villages, sheltering, and FEMA reimbursement totals for Hurricanes Milton, Helene, Debbie, Idalia, Ian, and earlier storms. He also discussed the Elevate Florida home-elevation program, the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation training initiative, the DEMES platform, and WebEOC, noting that 60 counties and 22 colleges and universities are using the system. Members asked Guthrie about flood-response resources for cities, training for local officials, and lessons from inland flooding after recent storms. He explained how local governments can request pumps and other assistance through county and state channels, described upcoming elected-official training, and emphasized mutual aid and EMAC as key future disaster-response tools. The committee took no formal votes or other legislative action and adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• He talked about the expense that it takes, the labor involved, but more importantly, he's getting a harder
• He talked about the expense that it takes, the labor involved, but more importantly, he's getting a harder
• He talked about the expense that it takes, the labor involved, but more importantly, he's getting a harder
• And the extraordinary skill that these pilots had, not just during the day, but most importantly at night
• And the extraordinary skill that these pilots had, not just during the day, but most importantly at night

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The NCU was formed over 18 years ago as a locally specialized labor union for corrections and support
• During that meeting, one of our foremost requests was that correctional labor groups be a part of any
• I especially want to know, labor perspective before you make any finalized reports.
• During that meeting, one of our foremost requests was that correctional labor groups be a part of any
• Fortunately, we live in a very progressive state that respects and regards the significance of labor

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The special commission on consolidation and cooperation among public safety agencies held a hearing focused on correctional labor perspectives, with testimony from union representatives and correctional officers from state and county facilities. Chair Dan Hunt and Senator Brownsberger opened by noting the commission’s extensive site visits and prior testimony, and they recognized Correctional Officers Week. Witnesses emphasized that officers are central to any reform discussion and described the daily realities of staffing shortages, violence, mental health crises, substance use, and the need for better wellness support. Kevin Flanagan of the correctional officers’ union said officers face serious safety risks, citing weapons recovered, assaults, suicides, and the spread of synthetic drugs like K2 that are often introduced through paper soaked with chemicals. He urged stronger contraband controls, including paperless systems and technology to detect synthetic drugs, and criticized policies he said can be manipulated in gender-identity housing and search situations. He also argued that staffing shortages, forced overtime, and low morale are worsening retention, and that officers need more support after traumatic incidents, including fuller use of the OnSide Academy program. Other union representatives, including NCU and county officers, opposed consolidating sheriffs’ offices or merging them with the Department of Correction, warning it could weaken collective bargaining, reduce local accountability, and harm programming and reentry work. They argued that county facilities are distinct and should be funded and staffed based on local needs, not a one-size-fits-all model, and several speakers supported expanding vocational and reentry programming. Commissioners responded with support for officer wellness and asked for more information on EMS transports, medical interventions, and possible models from other jurisdictions, including Norway and Germany. At the end of the hearing, the commission discussed extending its reporting deadline beyond September 30, with members agreeing to seek an extension to November 30. The commission also agreed to continue site visits, including the upcoming Barnstable visit, and adjourned after adopting the motion to request the extension.

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand that labor is a significant cost driver for the department.
• What has helped a little bit, but we have a limited ability to do by ourselves, has been that labor piece
• They have to be negotiated in the labor environment, though it's not something we can do unilaterally
• We really do our best to go civil service, and the labor contracts are up for renegotiation this year
• Not only can a individual grow in ways that can increase emotional intelligence, develop soft skills

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Solidarity in the labor movement is the act of standing together. the Iron Range. the Iron Range.
• Solidarity Solidarity in the labor movement is the act of standing together.
• Now, those of us in the labor movement know that boss behavior is the opposite of solidarity.
• And everything that I know about the labor movement, I learned from the steelworkers.
• As we've said before, they have a very unique skill set.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Delay of referral, again, probably related to the skill of the provider, and discrimination is always
• Delay of referral, again, probably related to the skill of the provider, and discrimination is always
• Again, clinical skill, quality of care, lack of continuity of care.
• where you have skilled people and you have the equipment necessary to resuscitate a baby.
• But I would agree with you that the level of skill, level of training, and the ability to deliver a baby

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard a detailed annual presentation from Dr. Thomas Arnold, chair of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, on maternal mortality trends and review findings. He explained the committee’s structure, the de-identified review process, and the distinction between pregnancy-associated and pregnancy-related deaths. He said national maternal mortality has declined from its 2021 peak, but mental health conditions, substance use, overdose, suicide, cardiovascular disease, hemorrhage, infection, and embolism remain major causes. He emphasized that many deaths are preventable, with especially high rates among non-Hispanic Black women and in the American Indian/Alaska Native population, and noted that a large share of deaths occur after 42 days postpartum. Committee members asked about suicide, domestic abuse, pregnancy testing in unexplained deaths, and the role of home births and midwife training. Dr. Arnold said the committee is adding a caseworker, exploring post-mortem pregnancy testing in suspicious cases, and working with coroners and forensic officials; he also said home births and untrained midwifery pose safety concerns and that better public education and facility-based care are important. The committee then heard from State Fire Marshal Dr. Matt Clark on cigarette ignition propensity standards and fire prevention. He recommended updating North Dakota’s cigarette ignition legislation to the current national standard and also considering legislation requiring fast-breakaway oxygen tubing, citing fatal fires involving smoking around home oxygen. He explained that his office verifies manufacturer testing and maintains certification for cigarettes sold in the state, but does not itself conduct the testing. Members asked about implementation, cost, and whether the standards apply in tribal communities; Clark said he would follow up with cost information and additional details, and that he had not seen evidence of a major issue on tribal lands but would look further. Christine Greff of the Department of Health and Human Services presented the North Dakota Stroke System of Care report. She described the statewide network of two comprehensive stroke centers, four primary stroke centers, and 30 acute stroke-ready hospitals, along with the stroke registry and quality-improvement efforts. She reported that most strokes are ischemic, that the median stroke patient age is 71.5, and that common risk factors include hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and diabetes. She highlighted improvements in door-to-CT, thrombolytic treatment times, dysphagia screening, EMS pre-notification, and interfacility transfer performance, and said new priorities include hemorrhagic stroke quality measures and standardized EMS stroke screening tools. Members asked about the VA hospital’s participation, and Greff said she would pursue outreach. After a break, the committee heard testimony from Taha Khan of Vertex Pharmaceuticals as part of the prior authorization study, focused on non-opioid pain treatment. He argued that prior authorization can delay access to acute pain treatment and may push patients toward opioids, especially in the critical 24- to 72-hour post-discharge window. He cited data showing that even short opioid exposure can increase the risk of long-term use and said prior authorization is often a barrier for physicians and patients. Khan recommended open access with a quantity limit rather than prior authorization, suggesting a 14-day limit supported by the product’s data and an episode-of-care approach. Members asked about dental use, payer discussions, and cost; he said the product’s wholesale acquisition cost is about $16.10 per tablet, with patient assistance available, and that he would follow up on payer and comparison-cost questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> amendment for the Department of Labor. amendment for the Department of Labor.
• We had used our background, we had used our behavioral skills so that we could determine Liberty likes
• </c><04:45:44.400><c> so</c><04:45:44.638><c> that</c> had used our behavioral skills so that had used
• </c> SB571 is meant to expand the labor SB571 is meant to expand the labor pipeline<04:54:31.680><c>
• It creates a simplified pathway to licensure that is likely to expand the labor pipeline.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had labor strife. There were multiple strikes in the ’80s.
• We had labor strife. There were multiple strikes in the 80s. We also So. We had labor strife.
• We do the work in San Jose side by side with our labor.
• We do the work in San Jose side by side with our labor partners.
• And we've done a lot of work with labor to improve job descriptions, create more efficiency.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Happy Tuesday, and you are in the Labor and Commerce Committee.
• After family members appeal a denial, Labor and Industries almost always approves the claim.
• I'm the research director of the SHARP program at the Department of Labor and Industries.
• You know, I've been through a lot of issues with Labor and Industries.
• Members of the committee, Tammy Fellon, with the Department of Labor and Industries.

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee heard public testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 618, the Eric Schrauss Memorial Act, would remove the current time-and-exposure qualifiers for the workers’ compensation presumption that certain heart problems in firefighters and law enforcement officers are occupational diseases. The sponsor and family members of fallen firefighters testified in support, describing delayed claims and arguing the bill would spare grieving families from lengthy appeals. Opponents including counties, self-insurers, cities, and L&I’s research staff said the current qualifiers are based on science, warned the change would greatly expand claims and costs, and noted a 2023 advisory committee did not recommend the change. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5379, which would extend interest arbitration rights to Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission law enforcement rangers. The sponsor and a park ranger testified that rangers are commissioned peace officers who cannot strike and are paid less than comparable law enforcement, leading to staffing shortages and turnover. The bill was presented as a fairness and retention measure. Testimony on Senate Bill 6147, concerning grocery store closures in food deserts, was split: supporters from Tacoma, labor, and local government said a six-month notice requirement would help communities respond to closures like the Fred Meyer shutdown in South Tacoma, while grocers and industry groups argued the bill was too prescriptive, would add legal risk, and would not solve underlying crime and business pressures. Senate Bill 6106, requested by the Employment Security Department, would exempt tribes from the state WARN-style notice law and make employee names and addresses submitted in layoff notices confidential under the Public Records Act. ESD and business groups supported the bill as a clarification and privacy fix, and no opposition was heard. The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 5927, which would cap future workers’ compensation COLAs at 3%; employers and self-insurers supported it as a way to address volatility and long-term liabilities, while labor, injured-worker advocates, and others opposed it as an across-the-board benefit cut that would erode wage replacement. L&I explained it has been studying possible COLA changes but did not bring forward its own proposal. Finally, Senate Bill 6287 on kratom would restrict adulterated or harmful kratom products, require labeling, set a 21+ sales age, and allow local regulation; supporters backed the age limit and bans on concentrated 7-OH, while some industry witnesses opposed the private right of action and local patchwork rules. The committee adjourned after public testimony; no final votes or executive action were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• With our labor partners in education, as well as conversations with family, and looking at curriculum
• As a recognition that the critical importance of. of reading as a foundational skill, and that especially
• We have to pay our labor unions what we have promised them to be paid.
• students pay fees, it's still outweighed by these costs and that's not even touching potential new labor
• The trainers of California's workforce for helping our students get the skills needed to get good jobs

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• projects are built with a skilled workforce.
• Ultimately, this bill strikes the right point. ...are built with a skilled workforce.
• Two passes amended to the Labor Public Employment and Retirement Committee. Senators Allen. Aye.
• Do pass as amended to Labor and Public Employment and Retirement.
• Do pass as amended to Labor and Public Employment and Retirement. Current vote, 6-3.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Strong coordination with labor unions through the Tri-County Regional Labor Council within the region
• ><c> unions</c> Strong coordination with labor unions Strong coordination with labor unions through<01
• </c> through the Tri County Regional Labor through the Tri County Regional Labor Council<01:08:43.359
• </c><01:08:53.440><c> Last</c> protections of organized labor. Last protections of organized labor.
• We have union jobs, laborers, detail.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• try to make sure that children are bonding with their parents and that those parents are learning skills
• labor.
• You need to really pay for that skilled labor.
• And I know that when you get somebody and they are skilled, it's a detriment whenever you lose them.
• sector raise, but we need to be competitive and keep our folks, especially the ones that have the skill

Transcript Highlights:

• I know you all do it as a labor of love, and it's much appreciated, and I would strongly.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics Standard Occupation Classification lists dental hygienists as health care
• It was recognized that hygienists had the skills because we delivered local anesthesia every day.
• So we were unable to volunteer in that effort even though we were skilled and able to do that.
• So that is just another example where dental hygienists, who are educated and skilled to perform these

Transcript Highlights:

• The labor of enslaved people helped build this nation's wealth. They built this building.
• A shipyard in Newport News, a welder in Pascuala, our skilled workforce at Robins Air Force Base.
• blessed by your labors. by your labors.
• In 2011, we had 21.9 Seniors per 100 people in the labor force. Last year it's now 32. Do you see?
• Labor force participation, the number of our population that's actually in the labor force.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I had the skills, but I didn't have the access.
• ,</c> I had already learned the skills, I had already learned the skills, completed<01:31:13.600><c>
• I had the skills, but I actually drive.
• Driver's education teaches critical skills that go far beyond memorizing rules for the test.
• Skills like managing rules for the test.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I had the skills. My classmates had the skills. Everybody in here is probably qualified.
• Skills. Everybody in here is probably qualified.
• These are highly skilled workers, engineers, doctors, teachers, and lawyers that are leaving the state
• labor is already scarce.
• labor is already scarce.

Summary: The subcommittee first took up HB 339, which would create liability for vaccine manufacturers that advertise in Florida and require them to stand behind their products if consumers are harmed. The sponsor argued the bill is meant to restore trust in vaccines, improve informed consent, and address inadequate federal vaccine-injury compensation systems; he said he was open to amendments and noted the bill was modeled on Texas law. Opponents, including a former vaccine-court official, a Florida Justice Reform Institute representative, and a physician, argued the bill is preempted by federal law, raises First Amendment concerns, is vague, and is unnecessary because existing federal compensation programs already provide a remedy. After an amendment delaying the effective date by three months was adopted, the committee heard extensive public testimony, mostly opposed, and then approved HB 339 as amended by a 12-4 vote. The committee then began HB 1001, a strike-all on official actions of local governments that would bar counties and municipalities from official DEI-related actions and spending, define DEI and related terms, add enforcement provisions, and include broad exceptions for holidays, observances, and certain content-neutral civic events. The sponsor said the measure is intended to curb what he described as divisive and wasteful DEI activity in local government while preserving compliance with anti-discrimination laws and other listed exceptions. Members questioned the lack of definitions for terms like “preferential treatment” and the bill’s possible effects on local festivals, language-access services, Pride events, memorials, and community programs; the sponsor said some concerns were addressed by exceptions and that he was open to further changes. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers warning of overbreadth, preemption, frivolous lawsuits, harm to local autonomy, and impacts on marginalized communities, while supporters said the bill would restore neutrality, accountability, and merit-based governance. The amendment to HB 1001 was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony and debate on the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Business Affairs and Labor, we will not be meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, but Thursday we will be
• House Business Affairs<00:26:19.760><c> and</c><00:26:20.000><c> Labor,</c><00:26:20.559><c> we</c><00
• :26:20.799><c> will</c><00:26:20.960><c> not</c><00:26:21.200><c> be</c> Affairs and Labor, we will not
• be Affairs and Labor, we will not be meeting<00:26:21.679><c> tomorrow,</c><00:26:22.240><c> Wednesday
• , building skills, all of those<01:13:53.600><c> things.

Keywords: 981, all