Transcript Highlights:

• executive and judicial 40,000 State executive and judicial branch branch branch employees<00:32:44.399
• employees.
• employees.
• employees.
• employees.

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Martin Vindioa, on behalf of the California State Pipe Trades Council, the California State Association
• Workers, the Western States Council of Sheet Metal Workers, and the California State Pipe Trades Council
• Martin Vindiel on behalf the California State Association of Electrical Workers, the Western State Council
• Kristen Heidelbach, UFCW Western States Council, in support.
• Martin Vindiole, on behalf of the California State Association of Electrical Workers, the Western States

Committee: House Labor and Employment

Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills, with testimony largely focused on workforce development, worker privacy, wage theft, and workplace safety. AB 296 would require schools and districts to host apprenticeship fairs at least once per year; supporters said it would expose students to skilled-trades careers, while school administrators opposed the mandate as too broad, especially for elementary schools and districts without local apprenticeship programs. AB 1221 and AB 1331 both sought to curb invasive workplace surveillance, with labor groups arguing that AI, biometric, and algorithmic monitoring can be discriminatory and chill worker rights, while business and industry groups warned the bills were too broad and could interfere with security, cybersecurity, and ordinary workplace operations. AB 1181 would require firefighter turnout gear to be free of cancer-causing chemicals, and AB 1198 would require prevailing wage rates on public works to reflect the wage in effect when work is performed; both drew support from labor and construction witnesses, while local governments and other stakeholders raised cost and implementation concerns. AB 1251 would require private employers to disclose whether a job posting is for an actual vacancy, and AB 692 would prohibit employer debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave employment; both bills were supported by worker advocates and opposed by employer groups who said the measures were overly broad or unnecessary under existing law. The committee also heard AB 552, AB 1110, AB 1136, and AB 1234, which respectively would allow the Agricultural Labor Relations Board to locate its main office outside Sacramento, update Cal/OSHA poster information, expand high road training partnership eligibility, and strengthen the wage claim process by encouraging employer participation and allowing judgments when employers fail to respond. Several bills were voted out on due-pass motions, including AB 1198, AB 1251, AB 1221, AB 1331, AB 552, AB 1110, AB 1136, and AB 692; AB 1181 was approved by the committee but remained on call, and AB 296 was heard in subcommittee without a vote. AB 963 was pulled by the author.

Transcript Highlights:

• So anyway, this, the state of Washington received the state of Washington received the The State of Washington
• Today in the state of Washington, well, this is actually the end of December 2024, 67,500 employees in
• Well, this shows you how many employees we have in the state of Washington.
• Well, this shows you how many employees we have in the state of Washington.
• Yeah, we pay about $30 million a year just here in the state of Washington in tuition for our employees

Summary: The meeting was an Aviation Caucus gathering hosted at Paine Field and Boeing, with legislators, aviation groups, airport representatives, WSDOT, AOPA, Boeing, and other stakeholders introducing themselves and discussing aviation’s role in Washington. Representative Tom Dent opened by emphasizing the caucus’s purpose of educating lawmakers about aviation and aerospace, building relationships with legislators, and protecting the industry from policies he said could harm it. He highlighted a priority to repeal sections of a recent transportation revenue bill that imposed a luxury/privilege tax on aircraft, arguing airplanes are tools rather than luxuries and warning the tax could drive aircraft and business out of the state. Several speakers focused on the economic value of aviation. WSDOT Aviation Director Ann Richard said the industry’s story needs to be framed around broad public benefits, including business activity, medical access, emergency response, and wildfire support, not just recreation. John Dobson presented data claiming aviation and aerospace account for about 12.5% of Washington’s GDP, support hundreds of thousands of jobs, and generate substantial tax revenue, while also arguing that aviation infrastructure is underfunded and that aviation-related fuel taxes and other revenues should be redirected to aviation uses. Boeing representatives described the company’s Washington footprint, recent safety and training reforms, supplier and workforce investments, the permanent site at Moses Lake, and the Core Plus Aerospace workforce pipeline. The meeting also included advocacy updates on mental health in aviation and industry coordination. Brian Baumoff of the Pilot Mental Health Campaign described federal legislation aimed at improving the process for pilots seeking mental health treatment and a Washington proposal to provide leave support for pilots navigating medical certification. Haley Coffey of the Aerospace Futures Alliance invited attendees to an upcoming Hill Day to advocate for aerospace. AOPA’s Brad Schuster warned that the aircraft tax proposal and possible offsets like higher jet fuel taxes could have severe consequences. The caucus also recognized Harry R. Anderson with House Resolution 4645 for becoming the first person to both fly and sail solo to all seven continents. The meeting ended with a short quiz, reminders about badges, and instructions for the Boeing factory tour.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> should an employee be aware? should an employee be aware?
• </c> keep an employee or to make an employee keep an employee or to make an employee violate<00:12:59.320
• </c> the state. the state.
• ><c> state-imposed</c> relieve cities from state-imposed relieve cities from state-imposed mandates<00
• . state. state.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• ITD is appropriated 1,645 employees. ITD is appropriated 1,645 employees. We're implementers.
• And it's the ITD employees that help this all to help.
• Employee turnover is not where we want it to be.
• Just one more example is that our ITD employees deliver a winter driving class around the state.
• And it just would allow parents across the state...

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 5196 by Capriglione relates to the telework of state employees and is referred to the Committee on
• HB 5196 by Capriglione relates to the telework of state employees and is referred to the Committee on
• HB 5196 by Capriglione relates to the telework of state employees and is referred to the Committee on
• HB 5196 by Capriglione relates to the telework of state employees and is referred to the Committee on
• HB 5196 by Capriglione relates to the telework of state employees and is referred to the Committee on

Transcript Highlights:

• There are a number of state employees that either do not..."
• The state health care plan for state employees—there are some employees that do not avail themselves
• Representative Koslow: "For state employees, there are some employees that do not avail themselves to
• department employees that come out of the United States Department of State.
• That is a benefit to the state as well, because when you have healthy state employees, when you have

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Summary: The committee met in executive session first and took up House Bill 2330, reconsidering a prior due-pass vote and then voting the House Committee Substitute due pass by roll call. It then considered House Bill 2291, where an amendment meant to clarify municipal building-code and zoning authority was discussed at length and ultimately withdrawn after members raised concerns that it would undercut the bill’s purpose; the bill itself then received a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 2336, dealing with state property conveyances and title issues, also drew questions about unclear title and the status of several properties, but the committee adopted the House Committee Substitute and voted the bill do pass. The committee then moved into public hearing on House Bill 3136, which would remove the state prohibition on creating a Missouri-based health insurance exchange; the sponsor and a witness argued it could save money, keep exchange fees in-state, and give Missouri more control, while several members objected that it would reverse the 2012 voter-approved prohibition and could entrench federal health-care policy. No action was taken on that bill in the hearing. The committee next heard House Bill 1833, which would let certain state employees opt out of the state health plan and receive a partial cash payout if they have other coverage. The sponsor argued it could be cost-neutral or save money and give employees more flexibility, while members and the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan raised concerns about fiscal impact, adverse selection, administrative burden, and whether the proposal turns a benefit into an entitlement. The witness for the plan said the fiscal note was based on about 4,112 active employees who already opt out, warned the stipend would be taxable and could create a new benefit that is hard to remove, and said proof of outside coverage would need to be maintained. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2506, which would require DESE to post QR-code placards at licensed child care facilities linking parents to existing inspection and complaint records; supporters said it would help parents make safer choices at no fiscal cost, while DESE explained the portal already exists and complaints are investigated quickly, and a witness described serious problems at one facility to illustrate why the information matters. Finally, the committee opened public hearing on House Bill 1758, a proposal to move Missouri to permanent daylight saving time once federal law allows it. The sponsor argued it would improve safety, boost economic activity, and avoid the inconvenience of changing clocks twice a year, while members raised concerns about darker mornings for schoolchildren and commuters and questioned whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The hearing was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on House Bill 3136, 1833, 2506, or 1758 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• But our demographics mirror the state, so we are changing along with what you're seeing the state changes
• changes</c> what you're seeing the state changes what you're seeing the state changes look<00:03:09.920
• number of employees applying is increasing, as is the cost if the resources the state allocates on a
• number of employees applying is increasing, as is the cost if the resources the state allocates on a
• number of employees applying is increasing, as is the cost if the resources the state allocates on a

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe they don't have a lot of employees.
• We have a responsibility as a state.
• I mean, depending on where you're at, 50 employees is small. Five employees is small. I do.
• It's a federal item, not a state item.
• I think there's eight employees across this state. And you know this.

Bills: HB3725 , HB3260 , HB3660 , HB3369 , HB3370

Committee: House Business

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 3725, as amended by a PCS, which would require employers statewide to use E-Verify or a federal equivalent when hiring new employees. The author argued the bill would help reduce illegal immigration, protect wages and jobs for lawful workers, and impose only minimal costs because E-Verify is free and quick to use. Members raised concerns about burdens on small businesses, farms, and ranches; state versus federal authority; enforcement by the Department of Labor; identity theft and false positives; possible litigation; and what would happen if the federal system went offline or changed. The author said the bill includes good-faith protections, a trigger repeal if the federal program expands, and that he would file additional language to address shutdown-related disruptions. No motion was made, and the bill remained in committee. The committee then heard and passed several other measures without opposition. House Bill 3260 would add the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association as an approved provider for continuing education credits for funeral director license renewals, and it passed 9-0. House Bill 3660 would authorize natural organic reduction, described as transforming human remains into soil, and it also passed 9-0. House Bill 3369 would revise food truck fire code requirements by allowing portable fire extinguishers instead of an automatic suppression system and by allowing licensed plumbers, not just Oklahoma LP Gas, to inspect or install certain gas plumbing; members discussed possible conflicts with another LP gas fix and agreed to work together, and the bill passed 9-0. Finally, House Bill 3370 would extend the effective date of the food truck fire code to November 1, 2028, creating a sunset to allow more time for a broader solution. The author said he preferred another option but wanted this bill available if needed. After brief clarification, the committee passed HB 3370 9-0. The meeting ended with the chair noting there would be three meetings left in the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> agreements with the Secretary of State agreements with the Secretary of State for<00:23:22.679><
• They generated a state, it was a Gtown public employee survey that they were then sending to candidates
• They generated a state, it was a Gtown public employee survey that they were then sending to candidates
• They generated a state, it was a Gtown public employee survey that they were then sending to candidates
• will</c><02:46:51.560><c> be</c> employees or public employees will be employees or public employees

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• There are several titles of employees from the Office of State Technology that are also included in the
• Okay, so we still have employees furloughed. funds.
• Okay, so we still have employees furloughed.
• Is 56 employees out of the entire division?
• What the quarterly employment report is, is that it tells you the number of state employees, the number

Committee: All ALC-PERSONNEL

Summary: The committee first took up several personnel and compensation requests. It approved a Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism reclassification that would trade three administrative coordinator positions for one park superintendent, one maintenance supervisor, and one park manager. It also approved one-time bonus and recruitment plans for the Department of Commerce and Department of Veterans Affairs, including up to $5,000 bonuses tied to the unemployment insurance modernization project and $2,000 bonuses for certified nursing assistants at the state veterans homes. A Department of Health request to reinstate a previously frozen fiscal support manager position for the State Medical Board was also approved; members were told the position was already authorized and would not increase total positions. The committee then reviewed a Department of Commerce reduction in force affecting the Division of Workforce Services for the Blind and Employment and Training divisions. Secretary Hugh McDonald and Workforce Connections Director Cody Waits explained that the cuts were driven by over-obligated federal funds, a prior realignment, and what they described as long-standing fiscal mismanagement in the Division of Services for the Blind. They said 56 employees remained furloughed, five employees in a separate grant group were still working, and 17 positions were on the permanent RIF list. Senators questioned the division’s accountability structure, the role of the independent board, and whether the layoffs were being handled fairly, including a request for racial composition data on the workforce and the RIF group. Members also discussed quarterly employment and overtime reports. Staff explained that the reports cover average staffing levels over each quarter, and members focused on overtime spending, especially in DHS, the Department of Correction, and the Department of Transportation. OPM said overtime is being reviewed, direct care positions remain exempt from the hiring freeze, and agencies have been hiring more staff since the new pay plan took effect. The committee asked for additional reporting on overtime trends, and the meeting adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state needs this bill.
• All I guess I'm trying to say is that we've already got state-licensed architects and state-licensed
• more than 50 eligible employees.
• company that has many employees.
• in the state of Missouri.

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> States, that's that's u that's a lot. States, that's that's u that's a lot.
• of New Hampshire that has wiped off the books the notion that people, all employees in the state, can
• of New Hampshire that has wiped off the books the notion that people, all employees in the state, can
• </c><01:01:31.599><c> of</c> employee, young or old, in the state of employee, young or old, in the state
• </c><02:03:24.800><c> We're</c> state. Um the bill was introduced. We're state.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• So this could be for city employees, parish employees, state employees.
• Well, I started with state because if we're using state, State employees?
• to first offer it to state employees.
• They are state employees. The airport is a state—” “It is. We pay into LASERS.
• pay into LASERS because they are state employees?”

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 105, which reinstates a sunset-expired TOPS Tech benefit for eligible veterans. Senator Kathy said the bill would use existing TOPS dollars, not new funding, and would help veterans stay in Louisiana and enter the workforce. After brief questions about eligibility and funding, Representative Marcelle moved the bill favorably, and it was reported favorably without objection. House Resolution 3, by Representative Newell, asked the Louisiana Housing Corporation to study whether vacant state-owned property could be repurposed for housing and rental assistance for cost-burdened state employees. Members discussed the high fiscal note and whether the work could be absorbed in existing budgets. Fiscal staff said LHC had requested a full-time position and four part-time positions for the study, but the committee also talked about narrowing the study’s scope. Representative Marcelle moved the resolution favorably, and it was reported favorably without objection. The committee then debated House Bill 189, which would extend supplemental pay to fire protection officers at the Lakefront Management Authority’s airport fire department. Representative Newell and airport representatives argued the firefighters perform specialized, hazardous ARFF duties and should receive the same supplemental pay as other qualifying public firefighters. Some members questioned whether the airport and its employees qualify under existing law and whether the supplement should be expanded further. After discussion, Representative Marcelle moved the bill favorably, but the motion failed on a roll call vote of 8 yeas to 10 nays. Later, Senate Bill 461, concerning Office of Group Benefits coverage for certain small employee groups, was reported favorably without objection. House Bill 623, creating a three-tier permitting system for vapor products, was amended to clarify direct-to-consumer shipment restrictions and then reported favorably as amended. House Bill 1222, creating a grocery initiative grants and financial support program through LED to address food deserts, drew extended debate over whether it would amount to government-run grocery stores; supporters framed it as an incentive and grant program for private grocers, while critics raised concerns about government involvement. After amendment, it was reported favorably as amended by a vote of 16 yeas to 2 nays. Finally, House Resolution 80, directing a comprehensive fiscal audit related to Board of Regents and university system spending on certain executive budget metrics, was amended into a substitute version. Members debated whether the resolution would require universities to do additional work and whether it belonged in Appropriations at all, especially since the fiscal note had been removed. The discussion also raised concerns about the listed schools and the resolution’s purpose in light of a federal civil rights investigation. The transcript ends while the committee is still discussing the resolution and related procedural motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• CalPERS to fund state employee pensions.
• Section 2029 requires CalPERS to disclose pension liabilities and contribution rates for state employees
• if you look at most of the state plans the for the for employees if you look at most of the state plans
• The State Miscellaneous Plan is the largest plan, but there's peace officers, CHP, State Safety, and
• It's 80% and for state it's 75%.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement and the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement held a joint hearing required by law to receive an independent report from the California Actuarial Advisory Panel on CalPERS. Chair McKinnor and Senator Smallwood-Cuevas opened by emphasizing CalPERS’ importance to retirement security for public employees and to the state budget. Scott Tarando, CalPERS Chief Actuary and a CAP member, presented on the statutory disclosure requirements in Government Code Section 2029, including the use of CalPERS’ 6.8% discount rate and the need to show how changes in investment return assumptions and amortization periods affect liabilities, contribution rates, and budgets. Tarando explained that lower investment returns increase contribution rates and unfunded liabilities, while higher returns reduce them. He also described CalPERS’ 20-year amortization period for new unfunded liabilities, comparing it to a mortgage and noting that shorter periods raise near-term costs but reduce long-term interest costs. He said the CAP has recommended a 15- to 20-year range and that CalPERS’ current approach is intended to smooth volatility for a large, ongoing plan. Members asked about the meaning of average service lifetime, the timing of valuation data, whether more current data could be used, the effect of AI and workforce changes on assumptions, and whether contribution changes affect retiree benefits. Tarando said retiree benefits do not change with annual valuations, that CalPERS uses audited year-end data because it is the most reliable basis for rates, and that AI impacts are being monitored but are too early to quantify. Committee members also discussed CalPERS’ funded status, with Tarando saying it had improved from the mid-60% range about 10 years ago to around 79% at fiscal year-end and over 80% more recently, reducing pressure on employers and the state budget. Michael Cohen, CalPERS’ investment operations chief, said CalPERS had complied with federal information requests and that its annual audits are publicly available, but no formal federal review had been released. In public comment, a representative of the California State Association of Counties praised the improved funded status and the role of PEPRA reforms. The chairs closed by reaffirming CalPERS’ fiduciary duty and the goal of protecting retirement security for public workers; no votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• My concern is that we are adopting law from a state that's not our state.
• state that the people of the state and the local communities do not want this do not vote up on this
• Let us answer to our local residents, and you make state policy that dictates everything to the state
• Under your bill, how is the state agency supposed to enforce neutral workplace conduct rules if employees
• State of Florida.

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:

• So when somebody is not properly classified as an employee, they lose out on all of that, and the state
• and on the state, on competitors, have employees that are doing the right thing.
• </c><00:46:57.079><c> have</c><00:46:57.599><c> employees</c><00:46:58.079><c> that</c> state on competitors
• have employees that state on competitors have employees that are<00:46:58.319><c> doing</c><00:46:58.559
• than 40,000 State executive and judicial<01:35:28.600><c> branch</c><01:35:29.119><c> employees</c><

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Together, we're about 2,000 state employees at 13 agencies.
• the new employee decided the state wasn't a good fit for them.
• of us who are tenured state employees to actually do the work that we were hired to do.
• the major issues that has come forward is the way the state treats its disabled employees.
• Just to be clear, as the union, we represent some state employees, but we have no authority over state

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve, along with my employees as staff to the Judicial Council.
• We have a whole bunch of unrepresented employees.
• We have a whole bunch of unrepresented employees.
• </c><00:30:09.679><c> um</c> one district has no Union employees um one district has no Union employees
• I'll talk maybe just give you an example of another state: Kansas.

Transcript Highlights:

• The term permanent employee was replaced with regular and probationary employee.
• We replaced the term permanent employee with regular and probationary employee.
• The same page, section 6 of 71-02-06, states that employees need to be treated by an employer in a similar
• The change on page 160 to 71-03-04, section 1, provides guidance on the treatment of state employees
• employees?

Committee: Joint Administrative Rules Committee