Transcript Highlights:

• They are not employees of the state.
• For an employee to receive benefits under the shared leave program on the basis of the employee or their
• For an employee to receive benefits under the shared leave program on the basis of the employee or their
• It's really out of the hearts of state employees wanting to help another state employee that's in need
• It's really out of the hearts of state employees wanting to help another state employee that's in need

Summary: The committee began by suspending the five-day notice rule for Senate Gubernatorial Appointment 9066 and then heard confirmation testimony from Megan Matthews, director of the Washington State Office of Equity. Matthews described the office’s growth, its work with agencies and communities, and efforts on data, contracting, and statewide outreach. Senator Hasegawa raised concerns about the Office of Equity’s relationship to ethnic commissions and whether it should remain internally focused, while other members praised Matthews’ statewide presence. The committee also heard confirmation testimony for Women’s Commission appointees Reedy Miu Kapade and Kiana Daniels, both of whom emphasized their experience serving women and girls and their commitment to the commission’s work; both appointments were noted as coming up for a vote the following week. The committee then heard House Bill 2309, which would prohibit the civil service classification plan from requiring a postgraduate degree as the only way to show qualifications unless required by law. Supporters, including the sponsor, OFM, and public witnesses, said the bill would remove barriers to state employment and broaden applicant pools. House Bill 2249 would add certain Washington Technology Solutions network and security systems employees to civil service coverage; the sponsor said it would resolve a narrow inequity affecting about 20 workers, while WOTEC said it needed flexibility to recruit and retain technical talent and asked to be involved in further changes. Substitute House Bill 2411 would expand shared leave to employees affected by hate crimes or immigration enforcement actions involving themselves or family members; supporters cited a state worker detained at the border and said the bill would help employees through extraordinary hardships, while opponents warned about abuse and objected to extending benefits in immigration-related cases. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916, dealing with voter registration challenges and list maintenance, drew strong support from voting-rights groups and county election officials who said it would curb mass, bad-faith challenges and protect eligible voters, especially naturalized citizens, students, military members, and voters of color. The Secretary of State’s office and county auditors also raised concerns about ambiguity in parts of the bill, including who may challenge registrations and how deceased voters are removed from the rolls. House Bill 2417 would add a victim’s bill of rights to the Washington Code of Military Justice, aligning state military justice with federal protections; the Military Department and veterans advocates supported it as a consistency and fairness measure. Finally, the committee took executive action on Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541, which changes the membership and selection criteria for the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and advanced it to the Rules Committee on a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• > contribution</c><00:14:18.760><c> rates</c> lowers the employee contribution rates lowers the employee
• </c> the way a former public works employees the way a former public works employees PERA<00:30:20.000
• </c> [clears throat] city and the employee [clears throat] city and the employee have<00:30:23.480><c
• </c><00:32:10.600><c> and</c> worked with this um this employee and worked with this um this employee
• . the HR employee, but you only need to the HR employee, but you only need to bring<00:37:14.680><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it every employee?
• Is it every employee?
• Is it every employee?
• Is it every employee?
• Is it every employee? So if you person? Is it every employee?

Bills: SB2596, SB3002, SB3067

Keywords: government leases, state entities, real property, affordable leasing, budget impact, green infrastructure, urban development, sustainability, environment, climate change, public health, Hawaii State Planning Act, land records, registration, surveys, subdivision, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Water and Culture and the Arts and on Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 3173, which would create a cultural training pilot program in the Department of Land and Natural Resources, administered by DOBOR, for commercial permit holders operating in Lahaina Harbor. Testimony was largely supportive from Lahaina Strong, which said the bill responds to community concerns and would help commercial operators return with greater cultural understanding and respect. Supporters framed the measure as a way to rebuild Lahaina intentionally and strengthen relationships between industry and community. Opposition came from Trilogy Excursions and the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii. They said they already provide or encourage cultural education, but argued the bill as written is too broad, potentially mandatory, and could create hiring and operational problems for businesses trying to restart after the fire. They asked that any program be voluntary, collaborative, and practical, with clearer details on who must take the training, how often it would be offered, and how it would be coordinated. In response to questions, a witness said most operators would likely participate if the training were accessible and well-marketed, but that the harbor’s limited current operations and staggered rebuilding make timing important. After testimony and questions, the chairs said they appreciated the comments but wanted to move the bill forward without amendments because of a filing deadline, noting that timing and other issues could be worked out in later committees with DLNR, OHA, and stakeholders. Both committees then voted to pass SB 3173 unamended, with one member excused in each committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• , they have policies on employees, particularly former employees, that are underperforming, only generating
• The question has become the ones for the employees that have retired, former employees that have retired
• order to fund the retirement on that employee and on other employees as well.
• It says former employee, right?
• and other bank employees.

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on May 19 and first took up Senate Bill 509 on bank-owned life insurance. The bill would clarify that banks retain an insurable interest in former employees for purposes of exchanging underperforming bank-owned life insurance policies for better-performing ones. Members adopted a revised amendment set after withdrawing a prior version. Testimony focused heavily on whether consent from the insured former employee is required for any transfer or exchange, with supporters saying the bill is needed to address underperforming policies and opponents warning about unclear consent standards, data-transfer concerns, litigation risk, and possible federal tax issues. After debate, the committee reported SB 509 as amended by a 7-4 vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 295, which requires health insurance coverage for medically necessary treatment for persons with acquired brain injuries, including cognitive rehabilitation and related services. Supporters from the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana and NeuroRestorative described gaps in post-acute care, high rates of discharge to unsafe home settings or nursing homes, and improved return-to-work outcomes when patients receive appropriate rehabilitation. An amendment was adopted to clarify federal essential health benefit limits and remove certain language, reducing the fiscal note to zero. The bill was then reported as amended without objection. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 155, which requires coverage for medically necessary dental procedures needed for cancer treatment clearance, such as exams, imaging, and extractions. Cancer advocates, oncologists, and dental representatives said untreated dental problems can delay chemotherapy or radiation and lead to worse outcomes and higher costs. Cleanup amendments were adopted, and the bill was reported as amended. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 465, which tightens prompt-payment deadlines for health insurers, adds pharmacy payment provisions, and creates a recoupment timeline for dental claims; after technical and substantive amendments, it was reported as amended. Finally, the committee approved Senate Bill 276, creating a pre-appointment affidavit process for bail bond producers to ensure prior premiums, shortages, and forfeitures are resolved before a new insurer appointment, and House Resolution 260, which urges the Department of Insurance to study how out-of-network medical billing affects auto insurance rates. Both measures were reported favorably or as amended, and the committee adjourned after a motion to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe employees for the PACT Act.
• I love our employees.
• When you fire VA employees, veterans suffer.
• So many dedicated employees in the VA.
• VA has recently dismissed more than 2,400 employees.

Bills: SB124, SB201, SB275, SB410, SB478, SB607, SB610, SB611, SB654, SB702, SB787, SB831, SB892

Keywords: Department of Veterans Affairs, disciplinary procedures, accountability, personnel actions, whistleblower protection, cancer, military, aircrew, veterans, health study, toxins, morbidity, mortality, service members, mental health, community care, accessibility, treatment programs, substance abuse, appointments

Summary: During the meeting, various members engaged in extensive discussions surrounding 15 proposed bills related to veterans' affairs. Notably, concerns regarding recent VA workforce changes sparked debates, particularly about potential cuts and their implications for veterans' care and benefits. Chairman Moran emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms and coordination with stakeholders, urging responsible measures to prevent negatively impacting service delivery. The meeting highlighted a significant bipartisan effort to enhance veterans' access to essential health services, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the VA workforce. Senator Blumenthal's assertions about the urgent plight of veterans due to cuts in personnel drew strong reactions, showcasing the deep concern among committee members regarding the current state of veteran services.

Transcript Highlights:

• The tips belong to the employees but not the employee specifically singular.
• </c> a front of the house um tipped employee a front of the house um tipped employee no<00:08:40.800>
• </c> the tips belong to the employee. the tips belong to the employee.
• The tips belong to the employees employees employees but<00:09:00.560><c> not</c><00:09:00.800><c> the
• </c> regular employee job? regular employee job?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are not just employees.
• I'm a 37-year UPS driver and employee.
• Certification of an employee organization where public safety employee organizations may be certified
• This ratification vote is for all employees, not just union members, and if the employees are unhappy
• There were 2,320 employees.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> students or they employees? students or they employees?
• ,</c> going to be the definition of employee, going to be the definition of employee, but<00:08:32.400
• Labor Relations, and Sector Employee Labor Relations, and State<00:15:08.839><c> Employee</c><00:15:
• </c> the jurisdiction of the Public Employee the jurisdiction of the Public Employee Relations<00:15:
• </c> that care about their employees. that care about their employees.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are hungry for these solutions. employees and it is selling out each and employees and it is selling
• </c> benefit side of this for their employees benefit side of this for their employees as<00:20:39.039
• know if we have healthy employees, they're going to be productive employees who are happy to come to
• ,</c> know if we have healthy employees, know if we have healthy employees, they're<00:26:18.640><c>
• </c> &gt;&gt; We have 6,700 employees. &gt;&gt; We have 6,700 employees.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” efforts. Chair Funky Fromm opened by describing a recent foot injury from a road hazard and used it to emphasize the importance of infrastructure, nutrition, sleep, and activity as part of a broader wellness culture. The main witnesses were Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, Holly Harris of Appalachian Regional Health Care (ARH), and Jim Muser of the Kentucky Hospital Association. Shell and Harris described a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and hospitals such as ARH to connect local farmers with hospital cafeterias, farmers markets, CSA-style subscription food boxes, and medically tailored meals. Harris said ARH serves a large region with 14 hospitals, more than 95 clinics, about 6,700 employees, and 1,300 medical staff, and that the system began by improving employee food options because hospital workers often have limited access to healthy meals during shifts. They reported examples such as a local-protein burger, parking-lot farmers markets, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and plans for container gardens at some hospitals. The witnesses said the program is intended to improve health outcomes, reduce readmissions, support chronic disease management, and also increase rural prosperity by expanding demand for Kentucky farm products. Shell said more than 40 hospitals had already been onboarded into the food-is-medicine program, with measurable outcomes being studied through pilots such as one at Russell County Hospital. He also noted that some systems, including CHI St. Joseph Health, Taylor Regional, and UK King’s Daughters, have formally embedded food-as-medicine goals into strategic plans. Members and witnesses also discussed barriers, especially the lack of reimbursement, fragmented short-term funding, and regulatory or purchasing hurdles that make it difficult for small farmers to participate. Shell said the goal is to make the model scalable and easier for hospitals and farmers to navigate, while Harris emphasized that ARH has been funding its efforts without reimbursement because of its mission. No votes or formal policy actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• to have the same access to care as other employees in certified networks.
• Many thousands of employees after I'm dead and gone.
• , multinational employers that have thousands of employees.
• Point out is with the 50 employee thing, Ms.
• This bill is a rare win-win for both Texas employers and employees.

Bills: HB875, HB1667, HB2369, HB3844, HB4415, HB4479, HB4483, HB4676, HB5118, HB5400, HB5545

Keywords: workers' compensation, municipal construction, bidding requirements, small municipalities, contracting policies, first responders, PTSD, mental health, emergency services, medical expenses, injury claims, insurance carriers, opportunity youth, workforce development, employment, education, federal funds, employment discrimination, immunity waiver, public employees

Transcript Highlights:

• That employee did not survive.
• </c> about a trench this was a water employee about a trench this was a water employee who<00:17:56.600
• </c> take away those Kentucky employee take away those Kentucky employee protections<00:18:48.760><c>
• more importantly should an employee more importantly should an employee<00:20:16.640><c> die</c><00:
• c> an</c><00:32:27.880><c> employees</c><00:32:28.559><c> qualified</c> power to delegate an employees

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 01:37 HB 398 Discussion 02:18 HB 398 Vote 30:35, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment met for its first 2025 session meeting, took roll, and established a quorum. The committee adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 398, an act relating to occupational safety and health, before hearing testimony. Sponsor Representative Walker Thomas said the bill is intended to align Kentucky’s occupational safety and health rules more closely with federal standards, provide clearer reference points for employers, and improve consistency and compliance while maintaining worker safety. He also explained that the substitute added and clarified a de minimis citation provision and defined “qualified representative,” and he noted a typo in the substitute would be corrected on the floor. Members asked whether the bill would change Kentucky’s OSHA structure or affect state offices, and Thomas said Kentucky remains a state-plan state with its own offices and enforcement staff, and that the bill would not eliminate those offices. He said the measure is meant to streamline rules and clarify that certain notices would carry no penalty when there is no substantial impact on safety or health. He also said employers must be given an opportunity to be present for inspections, typically with 45 minutes to an hour to arrange representation. Opposition testimony came from Dustin Ryan Stadler of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO and Gerald Atkins of Working Strategies 2 on behalf of the Kentucky State Building and Construction Trades Council. They argued the bill weakens worker protections, reduces accountability, limits who may request inspections, and could prevent family members from seeking inspections after a fatal workplace incident. Stadler described a fatal construction accident he witnessed in 2006 and said OSHA protections exist for a reason. Atkins cited workplace deaths and injuries, said the bill would go beyond prior 2021 changes, and warned that allowing Franklin Circuit Court to award uncapped costs and attorney fees against OSHA could chill enforcement. Several members then questioned whether federal standards are sufficient, with supporters saying the bill simply aligns Kentucky with federal rules and opponents arguing Kentucky should retain the ability to keep stronger protections for certain industries. No final vote on House Bill 398 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Association of professional employees Association of professional employees mape<00:05:17.600><c
• Unclassified employees, however, are typically reserved for employees whose jobs require some duty of
• </c> actually provided to the other employees actually provided to the other employees in<00:08:12.840
• said the majority of their employees, or all of their employees, are not classified employees.
• </c> their employees are not classified their employees are not classified employees<01:13:11.080><c>

Bills: HF1, HF98

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• It would employees at this current time.
• Um and the um uh the the employees.
• </c> not compromise state employees not compromise state employees that<00:13:24.480><c> may</c><00:13
• </c> &gt;&gt; more more employees in the future. &gt;&gt; more more employees in the future.
• </c><00:36:52.800><c> excluded</c> claims submitted by employees excluded claims submitted by employees

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Senate Committees on Labor and Technology and Public Safety and Military Affairs considered three bills. SB 2141 would reclassify certain Department of Law Enforcement leadership and employees as Class A members for retirement purposes and adjust retirement benefit calculations. DLE supported the bill, saying it would address retirement classification without enhancing benefits, while the Employees’ Retirement System said it had no formal board position but wanted key provisions preserved. The Deputy Attorney General raised a potential title/subject issue and warned the bill could be vulnerable to challenge because the reclassification, contribution changes, and benefit calculations are in separate statutory sections. After questions about the number of affected employees and possible amendments, the committees deferred the bill. SB 2593 would exempt certain Law Enforcement Standards Board positions from civil service and collective bargaining. The board’s administrator said the positions would handle sensitive and confidential information and require specialized experience, and the board chair’s representative said the bill was important to meet certification deadlines. Opposition testimony from HGA argued exempt employees are at-will and suggested civil service protections should remain, with any staffing issues handled through reclassification or other personnel tools. Committee members questioned whether the positions could instead be civil service but excluded from bargaining, and staff explained the distinction between civil service exemption and collective bargaining exclusion. The committees ultimately recommended passing SB 2593 with amendments, including a deferred effective date of January 1, 2077, and the recommendation was adopted. SB 2824 would create a bribery-related reporting duty for public servants. Supporters, including Indivisible Hawaii, said it would establish a clear duty to report known or suspected bribery and strengthen public trust. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, saying it would criminalize an affirmative duty to report another person’s misconduct. After limited discussion, both committees voted to pass SB 2824 with amendments, including a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Employee ownership trusts.
• </c> will be in broad employee ownership. will be in broad employee ownership.
• </c> employees, including the eight owners. employees, including the eight owners.
• </c> employee owned. employee owned.
• </c> owners to sell to their employees. owners to sell to their employees.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1 of the bill requires agencies to report fraud if an employee of a state agency has reason to
• The employee or agency must immediately notify law enforcement and the chairs and ranking minority members
• A state employee who discovers evidence of a violation of laws or rules governing grants must report
• </c><00:03:08.680><c> or</c><00:03:08.879><c> agency</c><00:03:09.440><c> must</c> agency the employee
• </c><00:04:19.239><c> who</c> Grant processes a state employee who Grant processes a state employee who

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Don't be, you know, just be a good partner with your employees. That's all this bill is saying.
• and that an employee has worked there for at least a year.
• And for ADA, that you have at least 15 employees for federal ADA, five employees for the Idaho version
• And there's nothing in there that says that they can't take action against an employee, even if the employee
• Public safety employees have always been diligent to make sure they, as employees, cover the cost of

Summary: The committee first agreed to hold House Bill 640 in committee after a motion and voice vote. It then heard House Bill 641, which would require employers offering sick leave to allow employees to use accrued leave without retaliation, while still complying with applicable federal FMLA and ADA provisions. The sponsor described it as a light-touch measure to prevent employers from disciplining workers for using earned sick leave. Testimony from workers and labor representatives supported the bill, describing cases where employees were disciplined or feared discipline for using sick time for illness or family medical needs. Some members raised concerns about referencing federal law in state statute, but the committee passed the bill on a roll call vote, 10-2, with a do-pass recommendation. The committee next heard Senate Bill 1221, which changes language from “irrigation district” to “irrigation or drainage entity” in a PERSI-related exception so the seasonal work allowance applies more consistently. The sponsor said the change was intended to clarify and align the law for eligible entities. With no substantive opposition, the committee passed the bill by voice vote and sent it to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 642, which expands death benefits for EMS workers, firefighters, and police officers killed in the line of duty. The bill would provide a $500,000 lump-sum benefit and an annual pension for surviving spouses, or a lump-sum benefit for children if the worker was unmarried, and it applies retroactively to July 1, 2021. Testimony from law enforcement, PERSI, and public safety representatives strongly supported the measure and emphasized that the benefit changes were funded without adding a state burden. After a brief clarification of the pension amount, the committee unanimously passed the bill with a do-pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the employee.
• Employees who are out on the employee.
• so the employee can plan.
• so the employee can plan.
• There's already municipal employees and county employees that don't get the two hours.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have over 657,000 employees.
• We do not advocate on behalf of injured employees.
• Employee Council, you'll hear from them next, but they're the advocate for injured employees. benefits
• They're working with injured employees on, you know, I mean with, not injured employees, but they're
• This is just for state employees.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Health subsidy uh employees will help Health subsidy uh employees will help fund<00:04:57.039><c> this
• </c> increases and employee increases and employee contribution<00:05:02.320><c> only</c><00:05:02.960
• </c> uh for both employers and uh employees uh for both employers and uh employees and<00:08:52.680><
• </c><00:09:44.839><c> uh</c> incentive out there for the employees uh incentive out there for the employees
• I think this gives them another tool in the toolbox to keep those employees around and have career employees

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:11 Attendance Roll Call: 00:18 Senate Bill 10 (Sen. Mills): 01:47 Senate Bill 65 (Sen. West): 18:47 Senate Bill 104 (Sen. Madon): 25:41 Adjournment: 31:38, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government heard testimony on Senate Bill 10, which would revise CERS retiree health subsidies for members who began participating on or before July 1, 2003. Senator Mills said the bill was developed with employee and employer groups to improve retiree health benefits while protecting the system’s financial footing, using a shared-cost structure. Testimony from sheriffs, police chiefs, firefighters, and the League of Cities strongly supported the bill, emphasizing recruitment and retention, affordability of retiree health coverage, and limited taxpayer risk. Members echoed those points, and the committee approved SB 10 with a 9-0 favorable recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 65, sponsored by Senator West, which would codify the Administrative Regulations Committee’s annual practice of placing certain deficient regulations into statute so they cannot take effect. West explained that the committee’s role is limited to finding regulations deficient or asking for deferral, and that SB 65 is the fifth version of this measure. He described the specific regulation at issue as a Medicaid Services rule that would have required behavioral health associates to hold a master’s degree; providers testified that it would reduce the workforce and harm behavioral health services statewide. West said the committee had deferred the matter eight times before deciding to side with providers. The bill received favorable expression and was reported out. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 104, sponsored by Senator Madon, concerning Kentucky Deferred Comp for state employees. The bill would establish a codified fiduciary standard, authorize fiduciary liability insurance, add self-correcting mechanisms to keep the plan in compliance with federal law, and allow self-directed brokerage accounts. Personnel Cabinet representatives said the changes would align the plan with other public pension plans, reduce risk, and offer participants a useful investment option with strong account growth among users. SB 104 also received favorable expression and was reported to the floor. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• notice to the employee within 30 days.
• and for regular check-ins with our employees, and if the employee says, that's reasonable, I'll work
• and for regular check-ins with our employees.
• just unrepresented employees, but we'd take that amendment.
• just unrepresented employees, but we'd take that amendment.

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee met on January 28, 2026, first hearing staff briefings and then taking executive action on House Bills 1571, 2144, 2191, and 2372. HB 1571 would make heart conditions a presumptive occupational disease for certain firefighters and law enforcement officers; members spoke in support of the bill as a response to the stresses and exposures of those jobs, and it was reported out 8-1 with a do-pass recommendation. HB 2144 would require notice to employees when employers use electronic monitoring for performance evaluations. The committee considered several amendments to a proposed substitute, adopting an amendment clarifying private communications protections but rejecting amendments to broaden emergency exceptions and remove the private right of action. The bill, as amended, passed 6-3. HB 2191 concerns wages in the construction industry and employer/contractor liability for unpaid wages. The committee considered a proposed substitute and several amendments. Members rejected amendments to include public entities as owners and to extend the right to cure to subcontractors, but adopted amendments removing Attorney General enforcement authority and making additional clarifying changes. Supporters emphasized accountability for unpaid wages and protecting vulnerable workers; opponents raised concerns about the scope of liability. The amended bill was reported out 6-3. HB 2372 would require workers’ compensation time loss benefits to include the full employer health care premium contribution rather than a partial percentage. An amendment to add L&I invoice and notice requirements and bar attorney fees on the health-care-premium portion was rejected, and the bill was then reported out 6-3. The committee also held public hearings on HB 2563 and HB 2188. HB 2563 would allow the Office of Administrative Hearings to automatically serve unemployment-case notices electronically during a pilot period ending July 30, 2029. OAH testified that the change would reduce mailing costs and improve service, while the Unemployment Law Project warned it would harm claimants with limited digital access and create procedural barriers; no action was taken during the hearing. HB 2188 would require L&I to publish actuarial indicated workers’ compensation rates and explain when rate caps shift costs to other classes. Business groups supported the transparency measure, and L&I testified it could provide the information and that the bill would have no fiscal impact; the hearing was closed without action.