Video & Transcript Research : 'laborers'
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ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Budget Section Leadership Division Mar 18th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Labor force participation has edged up to 62.5%, though it remains below historical levels.
- On a national level, however, here in the great state of North Dakota, the labor market continues to
- So, I'll say why labor market: we're looking really good as far as jobs go.
- So I'm going to transition to labor force participation rate, which I mentioned earlier.
- Right now, North Dakota has a 68.7% labor force participation rate versus 62.1% nationwide.
Summary:
The Leadership Division of the Budget Section approved the prior meeting minutes and then received an update from Senator Jonathan Sickler on the Cash Management Board’s interim work under House Bill 1278. He said the board has reviewed state cash, investments, and liquidity across agencies and concluded the state’s overall mix of long-term and short-term assets is appropriate, with about $35 billion in total liquid assets and investments and roughly 89% in longer-term investments. He highlighted process improvements already underway, including replacing more than 500 six-month CDs with a special-rate savings account to reduce administrative work, and said the board sees opportunities to improve forecasting, automation, and statewide coordination. Members asked about whether the CD change would increase returns, how the Legacy Fund transfer for the homestead tax relief bill affected earnings, and whether more state cash could be consolidated or better managed through BND; Sickler and BND staff said those issues are being studied and may lead to legislation for the 2027 session.
Representative Nathan Toman then updated the committee on the Task Force on Government Efficiency. He said the group has focused less on cutting dollars and more on defining metrics and asking how the legislature knows whether programs are working. The task force is pushing a standard set of questions for new or expanding programs—who is affected, expected outcomes, alternatives, how success will be measured, and full funding—and OMB has agreed to require those answers in future budget requests. Members discussed possible use of dashboards, program evaluators, AI tools, and possible rule or statutory changes to require performance measurement. Toman said the task force will continue meeting with agencies such as the courts, university system, auditor, HHS, Commerce, and ITD to identify workflow bottlenecks and potential efficiencies.
Phil Davis of Job Service North Dakota gave a workforce update, reporting that North Dakota’s unemployment rate is 2.5% and labor force participation is about 68.7%, both well above national performance. He described Job Service’s 15 workforce programs, including H-2A housing inspections for foreign agricultural workers, the job placement partnership program with DOCR, WOTC, and other federal and state workforce efforts. Davis said the agency served more than 11,000 individuals in 2025, operates nine workforce centers, and tracks outcomes through quarterly and annual reporting. In response to questions, he said job openings data reflect only positions in the system and may understate actual hiring needs, that child care and other assistance programs could be better tied to employment outcomes, and that the DOCR partnership has shown strong results with lower recidivism and higher earnings. He also said the H-2A inspection workload is growing quickly and additional staffing or less frequent federal inspection requirements could help.
Allen Knutson then presented S&P Global’s updated revenue forecast. He said oil prices have risen sharply since the prior month’s outlook, improving the state’s near-term revenue picture, though the economy remains volatile and agriculture is facing weaker commodity prices. Based on the updated forecast, total major tax revenues for the current biennium are projected to be about $89 million above the legislative forecast, and the next biennium could be about $500 million higher, though that estimate is preliminary and may change. He also walked through an alternate oil-price scenario showing significantly higher oil and gas collections and a larger Strategic Investment Fund balance if prices remain elevated. Members asked whether another forecast should be requested once oil markets stabilize and about tribal allocation changes in the alternative scenario; Knutson said additional updates are possible through OMB and future forecast cycles.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/12/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #25
Transcript Highlights:
- prohibits a school district from using public monies and public resources to support the operations of a labor
- organization or to perform labor organization activities during working hours.
- It prohibits a school district from deducting any payment from an employee's paycheck for labor organization
- Thank you. ...from deducting any payment from an employee's paycheck for labor organization membership
- conditions of employment and prohibits the state or a political subdivision from negotiating with a labor
Summary:
The committee heard presentations on two Senate-passed HCRs that would refer constitutional amendments to voters. HCR 2040 would bar school districts from using public money or resources to support labor organizations, including payroll deductions for dues, use of internal communication systems for recruiting or political materials, and distribution of labor-related communications using public resources; it also would prohibit the state and political subdivisions from entering exclusive representation or collective bargaining agreements with labor organizations. The sponsor indicated an intent to concur with the Senate amendment, and the measure was left open for questions.
HCR 2048 would amend the Arizona Constitution to prevent the state from confiscating money from scholarship accounts belonging to children of military families, and would void any later law or voter-approved measure after November 1, 2026, that violates that protection. Members asked how the proposal would work if a student moved out of state or no longer met scholarship eligibility requirements, and staff explained that funds could still be reclaimed if the student no longer qualified under the program. Questions also focused on the measure’s language making any conflicting future bill or initiative null and void, with staff explaining that courts would still apply severability principles in litigation.
The discussion became sharply political, with one member criticizing the measure as a pretext to protect ESA voucher funds and another questioning whether the military-family framing raised DEI concerns. Another member argued the majority was using military families to shield fraudulent ESA spending and said voters wanted action on the issue. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair ultimately closed the discussion after questions and comments.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Commerce and Tourism Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- labor relations.
- And the skilled labor is second to none within our union trades. We are trained safely.
- use skilled labor.
- And the skilled labor is second to none within our union trades. We are trained safely.
- use skilled labor.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers at subsidized companies using secret-ballot union elections and prohibiting neutrality agreements. The sponsor said the bill is meant to protect workers and taxpayer dollars, and he noted he would amend the Attorney General enforcement language to allow appeals. Supporters argued it protects secret ballots and transparency, while opponents said it is a form of union-busting, could conflict with federal labor law, and would burden contractors and workers. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably on a roll call vote, with Senators Bracey Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no and the remaining recorded votes in favor.
The committee then heard CS/SB 198, which regulates cryptocurrency kiosks to combat fraud, especially against seniors. The bill requires kiosk registration, fraud warnings, blockchain analytics, transaction limits, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions involving non-U.S. wallets. Supporters from consumer and senior advocacy groups said the bill would help stop widespread scams, while one industry witness praised the bill’s fraud protections but suggested narrowing the daily limits and new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote.
Next, the committee considered CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor described it as a work in progress aimed at ending inhumane breeding conditions, improving consumer disclosures, and creating breeder standards and penalties; an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported many animal welfare provisions but objected to the three-day financing waiting period, shelter-space requirements, expanded reimbursement, and litigation exposure. Animal welfare supporters backed the bill, and the committee reported it favorably.
The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors’ access to apps. The bill requires age verification, parental consent for minors, notice of app changes, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said it would better protect children online and help enforce existing age-based restrictions, while opponents warned it could require overcollection of personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate tools parents already have. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee took up CS/SB 422, which would bar use of ADS-B aviation data to calculate or collect certain airport fees, with an amendment adding departures to the covered activities. A pilot supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport advocates opposed it, saying it would undermine airport finances and force less efficient fee collection methods. The transcript ends during testimony on this bill, before final action is shown.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Education Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- required us to collaborate, as all good things do, with the existing other agencies and industry and labor
- reps to ensure that... ...with the existing other agencies and industry and labor reps to ensure that
- It's been a great opportunity, and it's a continuing relationship with the labor and industry's crew,
- It's been a great opportunity, and it's a continuing relationship with the labor and industry's crew,
- And then labor market data, which come from the Washington Unemployment Insurance.
Summary:
The House Education Committee received status updates on career and technical education (CTE), including OSPI’s work under 2024 legislation on allied health pathways and a statewide CTE task force, an update from Core Plus Maritime, and findings from an Education Northwest longitudinal study of Washington CTE access and outcomes. OSPI described development of allied health guidance such as a home care aide to nursing assistant bridge, model curricula, updated course equivalency frameworks, and coordination with health agencies and employers. It also reviewed Core Plus framework work, task force expansion under later legislation, and the timeline for recommendations due in November 2026. Committee members asked about health profession outreach, equitable access for rural districts, data updates, and employer support for local programs; OSPI said it continues to work with agency and industry partners and that local labor-market alignment varies by region.
Core Plus Maritime presenters described expanding maritime career exploration into middle school through low-cost ROV curriculum, student visits to ferries and vessels, Sea Scouts partnerships, and ship-based safety and welding experiences. Industry representatives from the Northwest Marine Trade Association, American Seafoods, and Vigor Marine Group emphasized the maritime sector’s economic importance, aging workforce, and need for hands-on training to build the pipeline for family-wage jobs. A teacher from South Kitsap High School said the program gives students a clear pathway and has helped connect them to careers in shipyards, fishing, and related trades. Vigor also noted support for a student welding competition and equipment donations for a Rainier Beach shop.
Dr. Sam Riggs of Education Northwest presented a longitudinal study using state data from 2013-14 through 2023-24. The study found CTE access has been relatively steady statewide, but offerings vary by school size, locale, and income, with rural and lower-income schools generally offering fewer pathways. Participation is high: nearly all students earn at least some CTE credit, and more students are accumulating multiple credits over time, though fewer go deep within a single pathway. Students who earned more CTE credits, especially within pathways such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and construction, were more likely to graduate on time and later had stronger postsecondary certificate attainment and earnings. Riggs recommended addressing local barriers to participation, considering whether the CTE graduation requirement should better encourage depth while preserving flexibility, and aligning offerings more closely with labor-market needs. Committee members asked about COVID-era trends, student motivation, early workforce entry, delivery settings such as skill centers, and how to interpret the comparison groups used in the analysis.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (01/20/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- want to go to the Department of Labor want to go to the Department of Labor for<00:47:06.880>
- I mean Department of Labor minimized.
- <02:16:45.599>
again back to the Department of Labor again back to the Department of Labor - <04:58:24.240>
do <04:58:24.400>a US Department of Labor do a US Department of Labor - um the the federal department of labor um the the federal department of labor under<05:33:43.440
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Sector Employee Labor Relations, and State Employee Labor Standards, favorable two amendments. >> Uh
- >
Private Law, Child Labor Penalties, Private Law, Child Labor Penalties, Private Sector<00:15 - and Sector Employee Labor Relations, and Sector Employee Labor Relations, and State<00:15:08.839>
- waiver of any federal fair labor waiver of any federal fair labor standards<00:15:25.400>
act - who violates specified child labor laws. who violates specified child labor laws.
Summary:
The Senate first handled routine announcements, including welcoming a new group of pages and noting donations of donuts and chicken from local businesses, along with a citation planned for Mr. Herman’s Bakery, which is closing after 103 years. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 858, establishing a Department of Budget and Management Audit and Finance Compliance Unit. A senator moved to send the bill back to second reading to add an amendment, which was adopted without objection, and the bill was reprinted for third reading.
The Finance Committee then reported several bills. Senate Bill 84, concerning collective bargaining for graduate assistants at UMCP and UMBC, was laid over after questions about whether graduate assistants are employees or students. Senate Bill 455, creating a transformational project financing program tied to tax increment financing districts, had two committee amendments adopted and was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 623, creating a premium cigar lounge alcoholic beverage license, also received two committee amendments and was ordered up, but a later Howard County amendment was proposed and the bill was laid over. Senate Bill 777, directing workforce development support in hospital closures and related events, was adopted and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 831, addressing child labor penalties, private-sector labor relations, and state labor standards, was adopted with two amendments and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 932, requiring social media platforms to display users’ general geographic location, was laid over after questions.
The committee also advanced Senate Bill 340, requiring at least $2 million annually for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman office, with two amendments adopted and the bill sent to third reading. Senate Bill 489, creating a limited license pathway for physicians trained abroad and repealing the fifth pathway program, was adopted with two amendments and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 496, expanding Medicaid coverage for obesity treatment, prompted extended debate over the fiscal note and who would bear the costs; the sponsor argued the estimate was overstated and did not account for likely lower utilization or health-care savings, while an opponent pressed concerns about the state share and structural deficit. The discussion continued without a final vote in the excerpt provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/26/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- I am a labor attorney in St. Paul.
- I have a real-life example in an arbitration case I did, a labor arbitration case, where an officer was
- attorney in St Paul I represent labor attorney in St Paul I represent approximately<00:04:25.600>
- arbitration case I did a labor arbitration case I did a labor arbitration<00:05:02.919>
case< - I'm currently general counsel at Law Enforcement Labor Services.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Dave Pinto, the Chair of the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance
- ><00:04:11.560>
committee <00:04:12.360>but <00:04:12.519>we last year in the labor - We are supported by a coalition of labor unions, employers, and other folks interested in supporting
- we are supported by a coalition of labor we are supported by a coalition of labor unions<00:15:39.959
- The Department of Labor explained that the only route we had to report misclassification was if they
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 2nd, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- It's relating to the establishment of a skilled labor task force by certain agencies. local workforce
- The committee substituted House Bill 3699 with a Texas Labor Code 2008.002 defines "labor" and the "person
- That data is coming from the Department of Labor, and so there may be a little bit of a lag because TWC
- They found that limiting the duration of UI assistance did not correlate with. improved labor market
- Data suggests, however, that people left the labor market after their benefits were exhausted and were
Keywords:
science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration, infrastructure development, Texas Economic Development Office, workforce development, unemployment benefits, state average unemployment rate, benefit year, economic support, Texas Workforce Commission, property owners' association, free speech, assembly rights, government officials, political candidates, floodplain, landlord, tenant
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Regulating Artificial Intelligence – Senator Jen McEwen Mar 17th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the questions we posed in a recent committee hearing that we had in the Senate Labor Committee
- So right now, data center is very hotly debated in the Labor Committee.
- So right now, data center is very hotly debated in the Labor Committee.
- So right now, data center is very hotly debated in the Labor Committee.
- So right now, data center is very hotly debated in the Labor Committee.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- WE ALSO HAVE HUMAN TRAFFICKING LABOR WHICH IS A FORM OF MODERN-DAY SLAVERY WHICH INDIVIDUALS PERFORM
- LABOR OR SERVICES THROUGH THE USE OF FORCE, FRAUD OR COERCION.
- LABOR TRAFFICKING INCLUDES SITUATIONS OF BONDAGE, FORCED LABOR AND INVOLUNTARY CHILD LABOR.
- LABOR TRAFFICKING AND SEX TRAFFICKING.
- IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE LABOR TRAFFICKING.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- We're<01:17:48.640>
the <01:17:48.880>laborers. We're the laborers. - We're the laborers.
- I've worked uh on labor policy issues and labor unions and collective bargaining as an expert for the
- I've worked uh on labor policy issues and labor unions and collective bargaining as an expert for the
- going to apply to the labor going to apply to the labor organization?
Keywords:
education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Yeah, I mean it seems like labor costs were kind of out of control, especially overtime labor costs
- And what are your overtime labor costs now?
- And I was labor chair before. I know how difficult labor is.
- In that, are there plans to try to address some of these labor issues?
- I can't speak to the uh organized labor.
Keywords:
renewable energy, solar energy, self-certification, building permits, environmental regulations, HB1593, affordable housing, pet-inclusive housing, pet friendly housing, rental housing, affordable rental housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, tenant pets, companion animals, dogs, cats, landlord-tenant law, security deposit, pet deposit
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support.
The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified.
Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate Labor Committee is called to order. We have a very brief agenda today.
- going to be offering an amendment to that bill, which comprises the governor's recommendations for the labor
- We're going to hear from Commissioner Blissenbach of the Department of Labor and Industry, who is here
- We're going to hear from Commissioner Blissenbach of the Department of Labor and Industry, who is here
- We're going to hear from Commissioner Blissenbach of the Department of Labor and Industry, who is here
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/25 - Part 2
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Um and we know that the labor brokers, um that is what they hold over the head of their workers.
- Um and we know that the labor brokers, um that is what they hold over the head of their workers.
- Um and we know that the labor brokers, um that is what they hold over the head of their workers.
- Um and we know that the labor brokers, um that is what they hold over the head of their workers.
- Um and we know that the labor brokers, um that is what they hold over the head of their workers.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Department of Labor data, child labor violations have risen sharply nationwide in industries that depend
- Isn't child labor a thing of the past? Unfortunately, recent legislative actions...
- Isn't child labor a thing in the past?
- Unfortunately, recent legislative actions Isn't child labor a thing of the past?
- Across the country, there's a troubling trend of rolling back child labor protections.
Summary:
The committee hearing began with opening remarks from the House and Senate chairs outlining procedures for a large public hearing with more than 100 witnesses on 64 legislative proposals. They explained time limits, rules for in-person and virtual testimony, written testimony procedures, and the committee’s reporting deadline. Testimony then moved through a series of juvenile justice, child protection, and civil liberties bills, with witnesses generally urging favorable reports or, in one case, opposing expanded juvenile court transparency and child advocate access to records.
Several witnesses supported bills aimed at juvenile justice reform. Representative Hendricks backed H. 1744 to prevent child labor exploitation and trafficking, citing federal findings of child labor in seafood processing and calling for stronger penalties and a ban on minors working in such facilities. Senator Gomez supported S. 1131 and S. 1121 to reduce juvenile fees, fines, restitution burdens, and bail-related costs, arguing they worsen racial and economic disparities. Senator Crean and other advocates supported S. 1051/H. 1695 to expand juvenile diversion eligibility, while multiple witnesses from juvenile justice and immigrant advocacy groups supported H. 1657/S. 1058 to expand juvenile expungement and to limit sharing juvenile fingerprints with federal authorities, describing recent ICE detentions of Chelsea students and the resulting fear in immigrant communities. Witnesses also supported H. 1918/S. 1240 to narrow the youthful offender statute, raising the minimum age and reducing mandatory adult-style penalties for youth.
The committee also heard testimony on child safety and bodily autonomy bills. Middlesex District Attorney Marion Ryan supported H. 1752 to protect children left in extreme temperatures, explaining it would create civil penalties, allow emergency responders to remove children from cars without liability, and add criminal penalties when serious injury results. Representative Thurber and Senator O’Connor testified for H. 2011/S. 1227, a bill prohibiting coercion or mandates for health-related interventions, including vaccinations, and allowing legal remedies for violations. Senator Jalen supported S. 1136/H. 1847 to prevent false confessions by requiring recording of interrogations and banning deceptive tactics, and several innocence-project and legal-services witnesses described wrongful convictions tied to false confessions and coercive interrogations. Another major topic was H. 1626, which would require age verification for pornographic content and launch an education campaign about online sexual exploitation; Representative Cruz and survivor Udoz Wallace testified in support, describing nonconsensual image sharing and deepfake harms.
Not all testimony was supportive. The Committee for Public Counsel Services opposed S. 1035, which would increase transparency in juvenile court proceedings, and H. 1689, which would expand the child advocate’s access to confidential juvenile records, arguing both would undermine privacy and trauma-informed protections for children and families. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the session consisted of opening remarks and public testimony on the listed bills.
MN
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Stay-or-pay provisions in employment contracts 3/11/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a competitive labor market.
- is a way in a competitive work uh labor is a way in a competitive work uh labor environment<00:23
- They prevent people from leaving and they uh they interrupt the freedom of the labor market.
- They prevent people from leaving and they uh they interrupt the freedom of the labor market.
- the labor market. So with that, Mr. the labor market. So with that, Mr.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (01/29/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics each month. Bureau of Labor Statistics each month.
- <00:21:45.120>
force people that fall out of the labor force people that fall out of the labor - Department of Labor.
- Labor.
- is a po we're in a state of higher labor is a po we're in a state of higher labor force<00:39:47.119
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Relating to labor organization use of public resources.
- district may not provide access to a school district's internal communication systems to distribute labor
- district may not provide access to a school district's internal communication systems to distribute labor
- And so this idea that there's something wrong with a labor organization, I don't know what it is.
- What is wrong with a labor organization that you cannot put up a flyer in the teacher's lounge to say
Summary:
The Senate opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and routine journal and appointment actions. Members also made brief announcements about caucus meetings and recognized guests from AIM Youth Mental Health, including a proclamation by Senator Epstein designating May 31, 2026, as Youth Mental Health Day in Arizona.
The chamber then met as the Committee of the Whole to consider House Bill 2995, relating to legal decision-making and parenting time in domestic relations cases. A committee amendment and a Mesnard floor amendment were adopted; the floor amendment emphasized child and victim safety in domestic violence cases, tightened standards for rebutting presumptions, and added an emergency clause. The bill was then reported out of Committee of the Whole with a do pass as amended recommendation.
Members next considered House Concurrent Resolution 2040, a proposed constitutional amendment concerning labor organization use of public resources in school districts. Supporters argued it would restrict use of district communication systems and public resources for union-related materials and work stoppages, while opponents raised constitutional, due process, contract, pension, and free speech concerns, and argued it would harm teachers and union communication. The Government Committee amendment was adopted, and after debate the resolution was reported out of Committee of the Whole with a do pass as amended recommendation by a 12-11 division. The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole report and adjourned until May 18, 2026.