Transcript Highlights:

• By way of background, a worker owed unpaid wages may file a wage complaint with the Department of Labor
• The bill creates the wage recovery program and a wage recovery account.
• All civil penalties under the Wage Payment Act and the Minimum Wage Act must be deposited in the new
• L&I collecting those wages and interest from the employer.
• Penalties under the Wage Payment Act are also modified.

Bills: HB2521 , HB2249 , HB1796

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: firearms, background check, gun control, public safety, legislation, HB 2249, Washington Technology Solutions, WaTech, civil service, classified service, exempt employees, state employment, state personnel, network security, cybersecurity, information technology, IT contracting, data center, systems integration, network engineering

Transcript Highlights:

• And then finally is Second Substitute House Bill 2479, and it relates to the recovery of unpaid wages
• It creates the wage recovery program, and the wage recovery account is created, and that will have all
• the civil penalties under the wage complaints and the minimum wage account will be deposited into that
• their wages from the employer.
• We have Second Substitute House Bill 2479, unpaid wage recovery, before us.

Summary: The Labor and Commerce committee held its final executive session and took action on several House bills. On ESHB 1155, concerning noncompetition and nonsolicitation agreements, the committee adopted the Stanford striking amendment and then advanced the bill to Rules on a two-pass recommendation; the King amendments on goodwill/ownership interests and specified executives were withdrawn. The committee also advanced SHB 1570, giving non-academic student employees at Western Washington University collective bargaining rights, to Ways and Means, and ESHB 2303, banning employer requests or coercion for employee microchipping, to Rules. SHB 2405, creating a PTSD workers’ compensation treatment pilot program, was sent to Rules, and 2SHB 2479, creating a wage recovery program and account to help advance unpaid wages to low-wage workers, was sent to Ways and Means. The committee also adopted amendments and moved forward several liquor and cannabis-related bills. EHB 1941, dealing with cannabis producer agricultural cooperatives, was amended with the Saldana striking amendment and sent to Rules. HB 1526, allowing snack bar liquor license holders to sell wine by the glass, was amended with a Saldana striking amendment and sent to Rules. ESHB 2476, expanding the theater liquor license to larger theaters and requiring alcohol control plans when minors are allowed, was also sent to Rules. In each case, members noted the bills’ policy goals and, where relevant, the need for further fiscal review or referral to the appropriate committee. During the session, members briefly discussed the policy rationale for the bills, including worker protections, faster recovery of unpaid wages, PTSD treatment access, and support for business investments in theaters. The committee also took a moment at the end of the meeting to thank staff for their work and heard remarks from Senator Conway reflecting on his long service on the committee and the importance of bipartisan labor-management problem solving. All bills reported out were approved subject to signatures, with referrals either to Rules or Ways and Means as noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• ... ...where they will be making sustainable wages.
• ... ...within bioscience that lead to sustainable wages.
• So I bring this light up, Can lead to sustainable wages.
• But how much are you making for your wages, right?
• That's why the prevailing wages, the union wage, is so important. 34% came from low-income housing, 16%

Summary: The hearing opened the Select Committee on Effective Postsecondary Career, Technical Education, and Workforce Development Programs at Santa Ana College, with Assemblymember Mike Fong emphasizing the need for affordable, accelerated pathways into high-demand careers and noting his bill AB 1098 creating the California Interagency Education Council. Chancellor Marvin Martinez welcomed the committee and urged changes to AB 927 to remove the “duplication” barrier for community college bachelor’s degrees, arguing that applied baccalaureate programs can lead to high-wage jobs and expand access for low- and middle-income students. The first panel focused on statewide workforce trends and policy. California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor Anthony Cordova highlighted credit for prior learning, Strong Workforce funding, dual enrollment, and apprenticeship growth, asking the Legislature to restore and increase Strong Workforce funding and expand applied baccalaureate degrees. LAEDC’s Josep Bilayo described regional labor market data showing growth in health care, education, construction, bioscience, and clean energy, while stressing the need for employer-led, data-driven programs, wraparound supports, and flexible funding. Andrew Gonzalez of the Building and Construction Trades Council argued that registered apprenticeship must be paid, combine classroom and on-the-job training, and end in a portable credential; he also promoted apprenticeship readiness programs, community workforce agreements, and stronger exposure to trades starting in K-12. Eric Morrison Smith of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color discussed the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Grant Program and related youth apprenticeship recommendations, including bridge programs, intermediary infrastructure, reduced employer barriers, and better coordination of state funding. A later panel highlighted Santa Ana College’s fire technology and firefighting academy programs. President Annabelle Neri and Vice President Jeffrey Lamb said the college is one of the state’s largest fire training providers, with strong partnerships with local fire agencies, law enforcement, and the U.S. Forest Service, and with high job placement and six-figure starting salaries for some graduates. They also described related certificates, advanced officer training, wellness services, and workforce preparation such as mock interviews and sponsorships. Throughout the hearing, members and panelists repeatedly stressed the importance of aligning education with labor market demand, expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning, and using regional collaboration to connect students to living-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• The minimum wage, specifically in L.A. County, is roughly $16.50.
• ... ...them to make sustainable wages.
• Can lead to sustainable wages.
• But how much are you making for your wages, right?
• That's why the prevailing wages, the union wage, is so important. 34% came from low-income housing, 16%

Summary: The Select Committee on Effective Postsecondary Career, Technical Education, and Workforce Development Programs met at Santa Ana College for its first hearing, with Chair Mike Fong opening by emphasizing the role of community colleges in college access, affordability, and workforce pathways. He highlighted AB 1098 creating the California Interagency Education Council and AB 323, which expanded Strong Workforce funds to support paid internships, and framed the hearing as a showcase of successful CTE, apprenticeship, and workforce models across the state. The first panel focused on statewide workforce funding, labor-market trends, and apprenticeship. California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor Anthony Cordova described the Strong Workforce Program, credit for prior learning, dual enrollment, and apprenticeship growth, and asked the Legislature to restore and increase Strong Workforce funding and expand applied baccalaureate degrees. LAEDC’s Josep Bilayo pointed to high-growth sectors such as health care, education, construction, bioscience, and clean energy, stressing data-driven planning, employer engagement, flexible funding, and wraparound supports. Andrew Gonzalez of the Los Angeles/Orange County Building and Construction Trades Council argued that registered apprenticeship must be paid, classroom-based, and tied to a portable credential, and described apprenticeship readiness programs, wraparound services, and community workforce agreements as effective tools for placing diverse, low-income, and justice-involved workers into union careers. Eric Morrison Smith of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color discussed SB 191 and the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Grant Program, recommending stronger coordination, intermediary infrastructure, better tracking of youth apprenticeships, more resources for community-based organizations, and a bridge program to connect high school students and opportunity youth to apprenticeships. The committee then turned to firefighting academies and career training at Santa Ana College. President Annabelle Neri and Vice President Jeffrey Lamb described Santa Ana College as a major trainer of firefighters and first responders, with extensive noncredit workforce training, multiple bachelor’s degrees, and strong job placement in fire-related fields. They emphasized hands-on training, wellness services, mock interviews, sponsorships with fire agencies, and partnerships with local law enforcement and the U.S. Forest Service. Neri also urged changes to the state’s applied baccalaureate rules to remove the “duplication” restriction so more community colleges can offer workforce-focused bachelor’s degrees tied to living-wage jobs. The hearing ended with discussion of how regional and statewide planning should work together, how to reduce duplication and administrative barriers, and how to better align education, employers, and apprenticeship systems to meet California’s workforce needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Participants are working, earning wages, building job skills, and establishing employment relationships
• Too often, individuals leave incarceration with little or no wages and little or no savings.
• By allowing individuals to retain some of the wages they earn, we increase their opportunity to become
• Incarcerated people already receive extremely reduced wages that are well below the legally allowable
• minimum wage for non-incarcerated labor.

Bills: SB309 , SB309

Committee: House Corrections

Summary: The House Corrections Committee met and considered Senate Bill 309 with Senate Amendment 1, which would end the Department of Corrections’ practice of deducting room-and-board charges from wages earned by incarcerated people. Supporters said the bill would help people in work release and other correctional programs keep more of their earnings for reentry needs, while still allowing deductions for child support, restitution, court costs, fines, and other court-ordered obligations. The sponsor also argued the current collection process costs the state more to administer than it brings in, citing roughly $40,000 in annual revenue versus about $137,000 in administrative costs. A Department of Correction witness clarified that the bill applies to level four work release only, affecting about 300 people, and would not change level five populations or Delaware Correctional Industries programming. He also said the funds are held in a non-interest-bearing account and then sent to the general fund. Public commenters, including a private citizen, the ACLU of Delaware, and the Tide Shift Justice Project, strongly supported the bill and argued that incarceration costs should be borne by the state rather than deducted from already low wages. After discussion, a motion was made to release the bill from committee and a roll-call vote was taken. The vote appeared to have enough support among members present, but because fewer than five members were present, the committee could not fully release the bill and instead would circulate it for additional signatures. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, the tax is 5% of the total annual employee wages that exceed the Social Security wage limit.
• Costs have been increasing at a rate nearly double that of wages.
• Contractors pay highly competitive wages, and this bill will...
• It will be a direct hit to job creation and worker wages.
• I expect less hiring, jobs to be shifted out of state, or wages capped.

Bills: HB2334 , HB2140 , HB2326 , HB2100

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: cash transactions, pennies, currency adjustment, economic impact, consumer protection, tax exemption, governmental transfer, agriculture, land use, property tax, emergency medical services, levies, healthcare funding, local government, taxation, excise tax, large companies, payroll expenses, minimum wage, Well Washington fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Wages have definitely not more than doubled during this time.
• Wages have definitely not more than doubled during this time.
• Wages have definitely not more than doubled during this time.
• Wages have definitely not more than doubled during this time.
• </c> priced out of range for many wage priced out of range for many wage earning earning earning families

Transcript Highlights:

• We know how important this is, as we have all been trying to deal with the issue of wage theft and wage
• I direct policy at the UCLA Labor Center, and I have researched wage theft for 15 years.
• These are workers who've already performed a service who are owed a wage. It's not complicated.
• And we ought not put that burden of unpaid wages on those that are playing within the system.
• There are plenty of employers and contractors who are paying workers their fair wages.

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Summary: The committee heard several labor and workforce bills. SB 1059 would modernize the Employment Training Panel by allowing electronic record-keeping, digital attendance documentation, and updated training terminology; supporters said it would reduce paperwork and better match current training systems, while no opposition appeared. SB 966 would codify refinery process safety protections adopted in 2017 after the 2012 Chevron Richmond fire, including worker participation in safety proceedings, anonymous hazard reporting, access to safety information, and stop-work authority; labor supported it, while the Western States Petroleum Association opposed it as conflicting with a 2024 settlement and potentially preempted by federal labor law. SB 1024 would provide 26 weeks of paid postpartum and recovery leave for firefighters who give birth, with job restoration and no requirement to use sick or vacation time first; firefighters and labor groups strongly supported it, and the committee discussed staffing and operational coverage concerns, but no opposition testified. The committee also heard SB 1316, which would strengthen wage theft enforcement by allowing Labor Commissioner liens to be renewed, limiting employers’ late use of records, and requiring Cal/OSHA to report complaints and citations data annually. Supporters said the bill would help workers actually collect wages after long delays and prevent employers from hiding records; it passed the committee on a 5-0 vote. SB 1185 would apply skilled and trained workforce requirements to pharmaceutical facility construction and maintenance, with supporters arguing these facilities require high precision to protect public health and supply chains; construction industry opponents said the bill was an unnecessary expansion of state mandates into private projects. SB 1227 would create apprenticeship pathways into DIR enforcement jobs, including Cal/OSHA and Labor Commissioner roles, to address staffing shortages and improve labor law enforcement; supporters emphasized vacancies and backlogs, and the bill was framed as a way to build a merit-based pipeline into state service. After hearing testimony, the committee took final votes on all six bills once the full membership returned. SB 966, SB 1024, SB 1059, SB 1185, and SB 1227 were all reported out of committee, and SB 1316 was also passed and sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The recorded final votes were unanimous or near-unanimous in favor, with the bills advancing on 4-1 or 5-0 votes depending on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know how important this is, as we have all been trying to deal with the issue of wage theft, wage
• I direct policy at the UCLA Labor Center, and I have researched wage theft for 15 years.
• These are workers who've already performed a service who are owed a wage. It's not complicated.
• And we ought not put that burden of unpaid wages on those that are playing within the system.
• There are plenty of employers and contractors who are paying workers their fair wages.

Summary: The committee heard and later voted on six labor-related bills. SB 1059 would modernize the Employment Training Panel by allowing electronic record-keeping, digital attendance documentation, and updated training terminology; supporters said it would reduce paperwork and better match current workforce training practices, while no opposition appeared. SB 966 would make permanent 2017 refinery process safety protections, including worker participation in safety reviews and stop-work authority; refinery workers and unions supported it as a safeguard against rollback, while the Western States Petroleum Association opposed it, arguing it conflicted with a settlement and could be preempted by federal labor law. SB 1024 would provide 26 weeks of paid postpartum and recovery leave for firefighters who give birth and require return to the prior position; supporters said it would improve retention and equity in a male-dominated profession, and there was no opposition. The committee also heard SB 1316, which would strengthen wage theft and workplace safety enforcement by allowing renewal of labor commissioner liens, limiting employers’ late use of records, and requiring Cal/OSHA to report complaints and citations data annually. Supporters said the bill would help workers collect judgments and address long backlogs; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 4-0 on call before the full committee vote. SB 1185 would apply skilled-and-trained workforce requirements to pharmaceutical facility construction and maintenance; supporters from the building trades said these projects require specialized precision to protect public health and supply chains, while contractors opposed the bill as an unnecessary expansion of public-work-style mandates into private projects. Finally, SB 1227 would create apprenticeship pathways into Department of Industrial Relations enforcement jobs, including Cal/OSHA and the Labor Commissioner’s office, to address staffing shortages and backlogs. The author and supporters said apprenticeships could help fill vacancies while preserving the civil service merit principle and creating opportunities for displaced workers; there was no opposition. After discussion and roll calls, the committee reported all six bills out of committee, with SB 966, SB 1024, SB 1059, SB 1185, and SB 1227 sent to Appropriations, and SB 1316 sent to Judiciary.

Transcript Highlights:

• Earned wage access allows workers to access wages they’ve already earned, without interest, without turning
• So we do not have any subscription fees for the earned wage access product.
• This bill creates a licensing framework for earned wage access products.
• Earned wage and early wage access services, both of which are covered by the proposed legislation, help
• In other words, this is wage erosion.

Bills: HB2118 , HB2181 , HB2308 , HB2309 , HB2402 , HB2476 , HB2682 , HB2698 , HB2875 , HB2877 , HB2903 , HB2910

Committees: House Commerce , House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Keywords: mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, HB2181, death certificate, death certificates, vital records, funeral establishment, funeral home, human remains, medical certification of death, death registration, state registrar, local registrar, county medical examiner, alternate medical examiner

Transcript Highlights:

• annually due to unpaid wages.
• Our wage claim process is broken.
• During this time, I experienced wage theft.
• During this time, I experienced wage theft. During this time, I experienced wage theft.
• The wage theft process is meant to be a low-cost, informal way to resolve wage theft claims, and we want

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public safety, labor protections, family stability, and legal process. AB 57 would reserve 10% of California Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. Supporters, including the NAACP and reparations advocates, said it would address historic housing discrimination and build generational wealth. Opponents argued the bill is an unconstitutional race proxy. After quorum was established, the committee voted to pass AB 57 as amended to Appropriations, with some members voting no or not voting, and the bill was placed on call. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, would expand and clarify caregiving tools for children whose parents face immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a short-term guardianship option that preserves parental rights. Supporters said the bill would reduce trauma and help families plan for emergencies; one member raised concerns about safeguards for non-family caregivers. The bill passed to Human Services on a do-pass motion and was placed on call. AB 392 would regulate non-consensual sexually explicit online content by requiring age and consent verification before upload, mandating removal after complaint, and creating civil remedies. A survivor of the iCloud hack testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations and was placed on call. AB 692 would ban employer debt agreements that require workers to repay training or related costs if they leave or are fired; labor groups supported it as a response to “stay-or-pay” traps, while business and industry groups warned it could affect bonuses and voluntary training programs. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations and was placed on call. The committee also heard AB 1234 on wage theft enforcement, AB 1522 on expedited licensing for certain former federal attorneys and protection for reproductive-health legal work, and AB 394 on stronger protections for transit workers facing assault and harassment. AB 1234 would let the Labor Commissioner enter judgment when employers fail to participate in wage-claim proceedings; supporters emphasized long delays and unpaid wages, while opponents objected to the 30% administrative fee. AB 1522 and AB 394 both drew support and were advanced on do-pass motions, with AB 1522 and AB 1234 placed on call after roll-call votes. The committee also approved a consent calendar of multiple bills and took up additional procedural motions before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• wage growth in the state.
• wage growth in the state.
• wage growth in the state.
• </c> pandemic, total wage growth has grown. pandemic, total wage growth has grown.
• </c> UI taxes as a percentage of total wages UI taxes as a percentage of total wages was<01:34:42.480

Bills: HF3545 , HF4004

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

Keywords: energy efficiency, construction standards, building codes, environment, sustainability

Transcript Highlights:

• The median wage for a child care worker is actually $10 lower than the average median wage across our
• </c><01:22:16.320><c> there</c> making some of the lowest wages there making some of the lowest wages
• A teaching position gives them a much higher wage and longer security in the field.
• </c> in different high growth High wage in different high growth High wage Fields<01:39:33.080><c> the
• provides, I think, a minimum wage employers can choose to add to.

Bills: HF2582 , HF2266 , HF2518 , HF2039 , HF1941

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

Keywords: child care, grants, appropriation, workforce development, families, YWCA Minneapolis, job training, child development, economic assistance, WomenVenture, economic development, entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, business training, financial support, youth programs, funding, employment, Minnesota, American Indian

Transcript Highlights:

• That tax at the state level is paid on the first $8,000 of each employee's annual wages.
• That's what we refer to as the taxable wage base.
• At the federal level, the taxable wage base is $7,000.
• While we are moving up in the ranks there, I want to go back to the taxable wage base.
• We have, and this is due in part to our low taxable wage base and also to our low tax rates.

Summary: The Commission on Unemployment Compensation met, established a quorum, and elected Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling as chair and Senator Mike Jones as vice chair. The commission also adopted its electronic meeting policy and heard introductions from new members, staff, and officials from the Secretary of Labor’s office and the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Secretary Jessica Lumen outlined the administration’s workforce and labor priorities, including supporting workers, employers, and program transparency, while members raised concerns about business climate, job losses, labor participation, and the implementation of paid family and medical leave. Staff provided legislative updates on recent unemployment-related bills. These included increases to the weekly unemployment benefit amount enacted in 2025 and 2026, a bill on labor dispute disqualification that changed how lockouts are treated for benefit eligibility, and a budget item providing $75,000 for actuarial support to the commission. The commission also discussed the 2025 work group on annual adjustments to weekly benefit amounts; staff reported that the work group did not complete its charge, and members agreed to revisit whether to reconstitute it at a future meeting. Delegate Martinez expressed support for continuing the work, and the chair said the issue would be taken up at the next meeting. Deputy Commissioner Joanna Darkus gave a detailed presentation on Virginia’s unemployment insurance system, including current claims data, eligibility rules, employer tax structure, benefit levels, trust fund solvency, fraud prevention, and customer service operations. She reported that Virginia’s unemployment rate remains low, weekly claims are modest, the current weekly benefit range is $160 to $478, and the trust fund balance factor is projected at 50.9 percent, near the threshold for additional employer charges. Members asked about the taxable wage base, trust fund solvency, the effect of benefit increases, fraud controls, and the planned paid family and medical leave program. VEC said it is implementing that program through regulations, staffing, IT procurement, public listening sessions, and consultation with other states. A public commenter from the Virginia Poverty Law Center urged the commission to strengthen state investment in unemployment insurance and warned that federal support is uncertain. The commission then adjourned without taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those we served experienced an average annual wage increase of more than $17,400.
• So there is no minimum threshold for wage.
• So it starts with our foundational data set, which is the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.
• So it starts with our foundational data set, which is the quarterly census of employment and wages.
• quarterly wages, through that process.

Summary: The subcommittee met to receive an informational presentation from CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrian Johnson, joined by Anthony Gagliano of CareerSource Suncoast, on the structure, funding, and services of Florida’s workforce development system. Johnson explained that CareerSource serves job seekers and businesses through 21 local workforce development boards and nearly 100 career centers, using federal and state funding streams such as WIOA, Wagner-Peyser, SNAP Employment and Training, and TANF. She described services including case management, training, wraparound supports, job matching, rapid response for layoffs and disasters, and business services such as recruitment, customized training, and on-the-job training. She also highlighted the REACH Act’s role in consolidating local boards from 24 to 21, creating the Master Credential List and Credential Review Committee, and implementing performance-based letter grades for local boards. Members asked detailed questions about funding formulas, letter grade metrics, apprenticeships, youth services, small business access, and the demand occupation list. Johnson said federal allocations are driven largely by unemployment and poverty formulas, which has reduced Florida’s WIOA funding by about $27 million over four years because of the state’s low unemployment rate. She explained the letter grades measure outcomes such as increased earnings, reduced public assistance, employment and training outcomes, work-based learning, business engagement, and service to individuals in certain programs, and said the system is being reviewed for possible changes, including removing extra credit and adjusting weights. On youth services, she said Florida has a waiver allowing a 50/50 split between in-school and out-of-school youth funding, and that local partnerships drive outreach. On the demand occupation list, she said it is based on state labor market data and projections, but local boards can submit evidence of local demand when data does not reflect conditions in their area. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on apprenticeships and workforce training grants. Johnson and Gagliano described apprenticeship navigators funded by the $7.75 million apprenticeship expansion allocation, which help employers navigate registration and expand apprenticeships into nontraditional fields such as IT, health care, education, and hospitality. Gagliano gave examples from CareerSource Suncoast and said navigators helped employers move faster through registration and develop programs with local education providers. Johnson also discussed Incumbent Worker Training Grants and Quick Response Training Grants, noting recent awards of nearly $3 million to 69 businesses and $6.5 million to 24 businesses, respectively, and said these programs are targeted toward high-skill, high-wage occupations and priority industries. The meeting ended with no votes or formal action; the chair thanked the presenters, invited follow-up questions, and adjourned the meeting without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act protecting wages of employees who receive wages through an electronic wage card, House No. 2074
• An act protecting wages of employees who receive wages through an electronic wage card, House No. 2074
• An act to protect hospital workers from being deprived of their wages, House No. 2124.
• An act establishing a minimum wage for employees of airline catering companies, House No. 2145.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and procedural orders. It adopted a resolution commending the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts for recognizing March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness Month, and it approved multiple orders extending committee reporting deadlines for bills in Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, Health Care Financing, Revenue, and Transportation. The House also concurred with a Senate petition on Great River Regional School Districts and suspended Joint Rule 12 for two petitions involving retirement benefits and senior property tax credits. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended a slate of bills for House consideration, including measures on call firefighter rights, foreclosure protection for recently widowed spouses, wage protections for electronic wage cards and hospital workers, a minimum wage for airline catering employees, donations to local nonprofits, limits on prison labor, and a sick leave bank for a DCF employee. The House suspended Rule 7A, ordered these bills to a third reading, and then passed several measures: a sick leave bank for Sally Disrosers, a land conveyance amendment for Brockton, and special acts allowing continued employment or civil service eligibility for public safety employees in Conway and Arlington. No substantive debate was recorded on the bills; actions were taken largely by voice vote. The House also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• You got the salary and wages. And then The administration part of it. You got the salary and wages.
• So the salary and wages, and this is all general fund for the most part.
• So the salary and wages, and this is all general fund for the most part.
• You've got salary and wages, which is a three and three.
• We got the salary and wages, of course, the operating expense.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2014, the budget for the Industrial Commission, with Representative Kempenich walking through the agency’s major components: the administrative office, Bank of North Dakota, housing finance, Department of Mineral Resources, and the State Mill and Elevator. He described mostly special-fund operations, including bond payments, economic development programs, the rail loan program, the Rebuilder’s Loan Program, housing incentive funding, abandoned well reclamation work, lignite research, litigation reserves, and a capacity purchase arrangement for a future natural gas pipeline. He also explained several one-time funding items, such as grid resiliency grants, housing-related transfers from the Strategic Investment Fund, and enhanced oil recovery funding repurposed from a prior salt cavern study. Members asked about the reduction in housing incentive funding from the Senate version, the use of one-time Strategic Investment Fund dollars for ongoing housing programs, and whether a trigger should be added to increase housing funding later. Kempenich said no trigger was discussed and emphasized that housing needs vary widely across the state. Another exchange focused on the enhanced oil recovery grant program, which he said would be driven largely by the Energy and Environmental Research Center and would use repurposed funds. A longer discussion covered the natural gas pipeline capacity purchase, including its purpose, possible routes, and the idea that the state would be buying capacity rather than immediately building a pipeline. The committee adopted Amendment 25.0181.0207 on a 21-1 vote, with one member absent and not voting. The committee then passed HB 2014 as amended on a 21-1 vote, with one member absent and not voting. Representative Kempenich was designated to carry the bill. The chair then noted this was the final budget hearing for the committee, with one bill remaining to be heard later.

Transcript Highlights:

• If they're owed wages, then the faster we can get those wages to them, the better off they are.
• ><c> the</c><00:20:03.360><c> better</c> can get those wages to them the better can get those wages to
• </c> and when we're looking at either wage and when we're looking at either wage claims<02:07:39.599>
• talking about wage studies and<05:45:21.280><c> wage</c><05:45:21.680><c> scales</c><05:45:22.400><c
• Thank you. minimum wage of at least $20 per hour. minimum wage of at least $20 per hour.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Summary: The committee first reviewed House Bill 1150, which would require disclosure of complaints to public employees within five business days. Members said the sponsor was still working on an amendment, so the bill was held for another week with the understanding it would be executed next week if no amendment was ready. The chair also outlined the committee’s schedule, including upcoming floor reports and the goal of finishing the remaining committee bills on time. The committee then took up House Bill 1168, concerning employer documentation requirements. Supporters argued the bill would give employers more time to gather payroll records, especially when claims arise years later, and said the current system should be adjusted for fairness to businesses. Opponents, including several members, said payroll records are usually electronic and should be produced quickly so workers waiting on wages are not delayed. The Department of Labor deputy commissioner testified that employers can already request extensions and that further extensions could still be requested under the current process. The committee voted 11-9 to ought to pass HB 1168. Next, House Bill 1250, dealing with notice, documentation, and job reinstatement requirements for leave related to childbirth, postpartum care, and pediatric appointments, was considered. Members said the statute was newly enacted, had been carefully negotiated, and should be allowed to work before being revised. The committee voted 20-0 to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1043, which would allow private employers to adopt their own minimum pay policies for report-to-work situations instead of being bound by the current two-hour minimum, so long as the policy is established in advance. The sponsor said the bill would modernize an outdated law and preserve the current default if no policy is adopted. Members raised questions about collective bargaining agreements and whether the bill could weaken existing worker protections, while the sponsor and supporters said it was intended to provide flexibility rather than a mandate. The hearing continued with questions and discussion, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• pay prevailing wages.
• For each one of these, I have to pay wages and penalties.
• There is something like a billion to $2 billion a year in wage theft.
• theft is and how insidious the wage theft is.
• the wage theft is.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on child safety, immigrant community transparency, agricultural land security, consumer protection, estate transfers, detention commissary pricing, and public works wage enforcement. SB 1234 would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; the author said it was a narrow child-safety measure, and there was no opposition. SB 1257 would require the Attorney General to publish annual reports on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations; supporters said it would improve accountability and document fear in immigrant communities, while questions centered on how the data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 would bar foreign adversary entities from buying or controlling California agricultural land; supporters framed it as a national security measure, while committee members pressed the author on enforcement, who would verify buyers, and possible discriminatory application. The bill was moved on a 2-4 vote and placed on call after the author said he would work on clarifying responsibility and nondiscrimination concerns. The committee also heard SB 1146, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, saying it would curb deceptive deepfake ads and protect consumers; it passed unanimously, 7-0. SB 988 would restrict assignment of benefits in auto glass claims, require claim numbers and itemized estimates, and update repair disclosure rules to curb overbilling and steering; supporters said it would protect consumers and stabilize insurance costs, while independent glass shop concerns about steering and market concentration were discussed. The bill passed 7-0, with one member abstaining because of a conflict. SB 1288, presented on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make good-faith efforts to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would simplify access requirements, especially for nonprofits. Supporters described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements; SIFMA and the California Bankers Association opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactive burdens. The bill passed 8-0. SB 941 would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; supporters said detainees often pay excessive prices for basic necessities, and the bill passed 8-0. Finally, SB 909 would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors warned of uncapped costs and reduced transparency. The discussion continued with questions about enforcement and whether stronger penalties or license restrictions would better deter repeat violators.

Transcript Highlights:

• IN RECENT YEARS IT'S MAINLY DRIVEN BY WAGE GROWTH AND WAGES MAKE UP ABOUT 50% PLUS ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL
• JUST BECAUSE OF OUR LARGE SENIOR POPULATION THAT DOESN'T EARN WAGES AND SALARIES.
• THAT'S LARGELY BEING DRIVEN WITH WHAT WE'RE SEEING WITH WAGES.
• THAT IS STILL TRUE BUT AFTER THE PANDEMIC WE SAW WAGES STARTING TO INCREASE STRONGLY PARTICULARLY IN
• IN TERMS OF OUR AVERAGE WAGE. SO WE WENT ABOVE THAT 88.8% BENCHMARK. IN 2021.