Video & Transcript : 'CEASE Act' :
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Veteran and Military Affairs REVISED: Links added Feb 5th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Veteran and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Page 20, this renames the act over the Christopher A. Owe, he died.
Committee:
House Veteran and Military Affairs
Keywords:
veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, veterans benefits, workplace poster, human resources, employment law, mental health resources, educational resources, HB3043, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, ODVA, seasonal employees, project labor, pro rata jobs, unclassified service, state personnel law, state employee benefits
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Feb 5th, 2026 at 09:02 am
House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2019, the Produced Water Act called for the Water Quality Control Commission to adopt the rule for
- I'm a member of Third Act in New Mexico, and I'm a retired biologist.
- The water-forward midstream companies answered the call of the Produced Water Act and built businesses
- The consortium was established pretty quickly after New Mexico passed the Produced Water Act.
- The consortium was established pretty quickly after New Mexico passed the Produced Water Act.
Keywords:
Taos County, Questa, produced water, treated produced water, water reuse, water quality control commission, freshwater conservation, rural communities, acequias, Indian nations, tribes, pueblos, water rights, industrial water use, data centers, artificial intelligence, AI, quantum computing, economic development, renewable energy
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 2nd, 2026 at 02:03 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- really in a lot of the basic agency recurring budgets, I think a signature piece of this Appropriations Act
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
Keywords:
general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, Senator Woods, Section 1 of the Act makes a technical fix since the bill adds a new section
- to the State Fairgrounds District Act.
- Well, I'm asking because when I Google that Act, unless I'm doing something wrong.
- and it says Sections 1-12 of this Act, and that's gone. through.
- Jill Weiss, the acting deputy.
Committees:
Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance
Keywords:
State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- tracks the changes made to the for-profit corporation statute and the Model Nonprofit Corporations Act
- least not to act quickly.
- If we don't act and Congress doesn't act, those protections won't exist for Florida's children and vulnerable
- So I believe we have to act.
- In fact, I think it's morally correct to act to protect those children.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Tourism
Keywords:
special districts, funding, financial assistance, rural community, state agency, economic development, artificial intelligence, personal data protection, consumer rights, chatbot, deceptive practices, government contracts, public records, consumer protection, data privacy, investigations, proprietary information, chatbots, Florida statutes, nonprofit
Summary:
The Commerce and Tourism Committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million, with the higher cap first applying to the 2027 allocation; it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1266 would create a Cybersecurity Experiential Internship and Clearance Readiness Program with the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida, but an amendment removed the bill’s funding appropriation; the amended bill was reported favorably. SB 554, a Florida Bar-backed update to the not-for-profit corporations statute, was also reported favorably after support testimony from the Bar and others. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive financing and undisclosed health conditions at retail pet stores, drew strong support from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which sets rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, was reported favorably as well.
The committee also considered SB 998, the Department of Commerce package. The bill would modernize the small cities CDBG program, clarify rural community eligibility to include certain unincorporated areas, exempt military conveyances from a reverter clause, and revise E-Verify enforcement and penalties. Members questioned the E-Verify provisions, including the fine structure, treatment of workers incorrectly flagged, and whether the bill could affect gig workers or retroactive cases. Senator Smith opposed the bill during debate, arguing it created unequal treatment for employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. SB 998 was reported favorably.
SB 214 would expand the rural economic development initiative to include special districts in rural counties and was reported favorably. SB 482, the Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights, generated the most extensive discussion; it would create consumer protections for companion chatbots, require parental consent and access for minors, mandate disclosures and de-identification rules, restrict unauthorized use of name, image, and likeness, and give enforcement authority to the Attorney General. Supporters emphasized child safety, privacy, and the need for guardrails, while opponents and some informational witnesses raised concerns about privacy, age verification, enforcement, and the bill’s breadth. The bill was reported favorably, and the committee also approved SPB 7030, a committee bill creating a public records exemption for Department of Legal Affairs investigations tied to the AI enforcement provisions.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2251 makes changes to the Climate Commitment Act accounts, in particular repealing several
- The Climate Commitment Act, or CCA, regulates greenhouse gas emissions for certain covered entities in
- And they are not, they ceased in this biennium.
- This is the first tool that tried to aggregate all the Climate Commitment Act investments and present
- The Climate Commitment Act and CCA revenue is our state's most powerful tool to cut climate pollution
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
climate change, commitment act, emission reductions, sustainability, environmental policy, HB 2254, Washington, Health Care Authority, partnership access line, psychiatric consultation line, first approach skills training, behavioral health, mental health, assessment, administrative costs, health insurance, health carriers, self-funded plans, multiple employer welfare arrangement, MEWA
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Jan 12th, 2026
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Keywords:
public records exemption, open government sunset review, OGSR, emergency shelter, public emergency shelter, storm shelter, catastrophic event, evacuees, disaster response, hurricane, evacuation, privacy, confidential records, address confidentiality, telephone number, Florida Statutes section 252.385, agency records, public records law, Open Government Sunset Review Act, Florida Public Service Commission
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- regarding what to do when there's a defective corporate act.
- </c><00:10:10.240><c> by</c> long-term care insurance model act by long-term care insurance model act
- This is another NIC model<00:10:33.440><c> act.
- Um, this makes modifications model act.
- Uh, article six is garnishment act.
Committee:
House Commerce Finance and Policy
Keywords:
medical cannabis, cultivation, cannabinoid products, plant canopy, Minnesota statutes, cannabis, hemp, lower-potency, edibles, regulations, licensing, local control, consumer safety, age restrictions, commerce policy, financial institutions, insurance regulation, limited long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement, health insurance
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Feb 26th, 2025
Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- We talked about this extensively, but for clarification purposes, this would be a permissive act.
- Title 13A is the criminal law code, which is where most of the criminal acts are.
- With the bottom line, the refusal to provide a name and address in a lawful stop is not a harmless act
- Everything went through the computer simply the act of not having it on me, even though that is a violation
- This doesn't cover any of that; it's only if you're charged with the act of murder.
Committee:
House Public Safety and Homeland Security
Keywords:
law enforcement, retirement benefits, Alabama Peace Officers, agency-issued badge, agency-issued pistol, resisting arrest, custody, public safety, Alabama law, traffic infractions, traffic ticket, disposition, criminal contempt, vessel registration, boating fees, state funds, regulatory changes, water safety, compliance, false information
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- The two big areas: this will allow the commissioner to issue cease and desist and be proactive in addressing
- people who are practicing the business of insurance, who are acting as insurance agents but are not
- In some of these cases, it included just issuing something like a cease and desist. ...regulatory authority
- And in some of these cases, it included just issuing something like a cease and desist saying, hey, we
- Acting Chair.
Committee:
House Insurance
Summary:
The House Insurance Committee met on March 18 and first took up House Bill 739, which would clarify the Department of Insurance’s authority to investigate insurance fraud, issue cease-and-desist orders against unlicensed actors, and work with law enforcement. The sponsor and department said the bill was meant to address ambiguity identified in recent administrative rulings. The committee adopted two amendment sets, including language requested by the Division of Administrative Law to route appeals through the Administrative Procedures Act and a clarification that the bill does not apply to lawyers lawfully engaged in the practice of law, while preserving authority over attorneys acting outside that role. HB 739 was reported favorably as amended.
The committee then advanced House Bill 413, which prohibits property and casualty insurers from increasing auto rates solely because of a catastrophe claim on a homeowner’s policy, with an exception for multi-line policies. The sponsor and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said the bill is intended to protect consumers and prevent one line of coverage from being penalized by a claim on another line. After a brief clarification about bundled policies, HB 413 was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably on House Bill 234, which continues the Department of Insurance for another five years, and House Bill 850, a cleanup measure updating the standard fire policy’s cancellation notice period from 30 to 60 days to match prior law changes.
The longest discussion centered on House Bill 174, as substituted, which would allow law enforcement to impound out-of-state vehicles when the driver cannot provide required bodily injury liability insurance, treating out-of-state drivers more like Louisiana drivers. Members raised concerns about how insurance would be verified, whether all states participate in electronic verification systems, and what safeguards exist when proof of insurance is unavailable or outdated. Testimony from State Police and OMV explained current verification practices, the limits of interstate data sharing, and existing officer discretion and exceptions for safety. Supporters argued the bill would improve fairness, reduce uninsured driving, and help lower costs for Louisiana residents. The committee adopted the substitute and reported HB 174 favorably by substitute. The committee then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 24th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll for co-authors.
- Assembly Member Dixon, all debate having ceased, would you like to close? I would, thank you, Mr.
- All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll for coauthors.
- Let us all commit to a future where visibility is not an act of bravery, but a given.
- All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll for co-authors.
Summary:
The Assembly met on March 6, 2025, after a quorum call and prayer, then proceeded through routine floor business and several ceremonial resolutions. Early procedural motions included a failed attempt to suspend the rules to withdraw AB 844 from committee and bring it directly to the floor; that motion received 16 ayes and 45 noes. The body also unanimously approved a request to re-refer AB 341.
Members then adopted several resolutions by voice vote after adding coauthors: ACR 35 recognizing Greek Independence Day, ACR 17 honoring women in carpentry and the BOOTS apprenticeship program, ACR 50 designating March 24, 2025 as Special Olympics Day, and H.R. 21 proclaiming Transgender Week of Visibility and March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility. Each resolution drew supportive remarks from multiple members, while H.R. 21 also prompted extended debate, including opposition centered on girls’ sports, locker rooms, and claims about state policy affecting transgender Californians. In each case, the resolutions were adopted after the coauthor roll and voice vote.
The session concluded with adjournment in memory of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Hector Cuevas, Jr., who died in the line of duty on March 17. Several members spoke in tribute to his service, his work with youth football, and his family. The Assembly then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Friday, March 28, 2025 at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 15th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is our 2026 Budget Act.
- So let's start with the 2025 Budget Act.
- The Civil Rights Act, that was DEI. Title I education funding, that was DEI.
- All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll. Members, this is for co-authors.
- I rise to present SB 110, a bill with technical changes to our 2026 budget act.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, and then completed the roll call, prayer, and pledge. Members observed a moment of silence for the fatal B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base in Assemblymember Lackey’s district. The body then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of numerous Senate bills to different committees, suspending rules for committee notices, and taking up the budget bill, AB 109, without reference to file for concurrence in Senate amendments.
Debate on AB 109, the 2026 budget act, centered on competing views of the state’s fiscal condition and policy priorities. Supporters said the budget balances the current and next year’s budget, reduces the structural deficit, builds reserves, protects health care, schools, housing, food assistance, and other safety-net programs, and responds to federal cuts under H.R. 1. Opponents argued the budget increases taxes and costs, shortchanges schools, underfunds Proposition 36, relies on gimmicks, and does not adequately address public safety, cost of living, or long-term sustainability. Several members also highlighted specific provisions such as hospital support, Medi-Cal and IHSS protections, child care, immigrant legal services, prison closure, and funding for courts and victim services.
A motion by Assemblymember DeMaio to return AB 109 to the Senate failed on a roll call vote, 13 ayes to 45 noes. The Assembly then voted on concurrence in the Senate amendments to AB 109; the measure passed, and the Senate amendments were concurred in without objection, with immediate transmittal to the Governor. Afterward, the Assembly moved to the daily file and took up SCR 89, a resolution affirming diversity, equity, and inclusion. Supporters from several caucuses framed DEI as a core California value and a response to federal attacks, while opponents criticized DEI as divisive. The transcript ends during debate on SCR 89, before any final vote is shown.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This deals with the Endangered Species Act.
- Speaker, I request unanimous consent that the clerk cease reading the bill.
- Unanimous consent has been requested to cease reading House Bill 615; is there objection?
- House Bill 703 is built off of the Idaho Cleanup Act, or House Bill 14 from last year.
- I ask unanimous consent to cease the reading of House Bill 637.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, that is a step-down program for people who are kind of acting out or causing issues.
- Um, that is a step-down program for people who are kind of acting out or causing issues.
- Um, that is a step-down program for people who are kind of acting out or causing issues.
- And so that's where you can see um you know our who are kind of acting out or causing who are kind of
- acting out or causing issues.<00:41:54.720><c> Um</c><00:41:55.120><c> the</c><00:41:55.200><c> Commission
Bills:
HB389 , HB1166 , HB1510 , HB1541 , HB1605 , HB1661 , HB1663 , HB1678 , HB1769 , HB1785 , HB1801 , HB1802 , HB1815 , HB1824 , HB1838 , HB1840 , HB1853 , HB1860 , HB1891 , HB1952 , HB1960 , HB1969 , HB1970 , HB1972 , HB1976 , HB2050 , HB2094 , HB2104 , HB2158 , HB2165 , HB2171 , HB2208 , HB2246 , HB2271 , HB2300 , HB2310 , HB2315 , HB2319 , HB2338 , HB2339 , HB2343 , HB2443 , HB2498 , HB2551 , HB2599 , HB2606 , SB17 , SB83 , SB99 , SB148 , SB411 , SB709 , SB847 , SB874 , SB888 , SB1032 , SB1166 , SB2001 , SB2014 , SB2031 , SB2041 , SB2050 , SB2057 , SB2061 , SB2074 , SB2075 , SB2089 , SB2095 , SB2101 , SB2102 , SB2108 , SB2109 , SB2110 , SB2125 , SB2135 , SB2138 , SB2140 , SB2146 , SB2151 , SB2152 , SB2175 , SB2203 , SB2239 , SB2246 , SB2247 , SB2253 , SB2261 , SB2268 , SB2271 , SB2272 , SB2320 , SB2340 , SB2347 , SB2353 , SB2363 , SB2367 , SB2372 , SB2376 , SB2386
Keywords:
HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS, unmanned aerial vehicle, misuse of uncrewed aircraft, criminal offense, felony enhancement, drone crime, public safety, police, deputy sheriff, fire department, intoxicated operation, registration number tampering, property damage, bodily injury, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Package, Hawaii Revised Statutes
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 27th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas the Oklahoma state The Senate, acting on behalf of the citizens of the state of Oklahoma,
- Restores title and acting clause with appropriate signatures.
- Would you know if your ICE agents who have committed unlawful acts who Continued to wear masks.
- riots, would this bill pertain to those ICE agents who are acting unlawfully?
- I move to amend House Bill 3972 by restoring the title and an acting clause.
Bills:
SJR50 , SJR51 , SJR52 , SJR53 , SJR54 , SJR39 , SB1290 , HB4028 , HB4029 , HB4073 , HB4074 , HB4075 , HB4076 , HB4077 , HB4078 , HB1250 , HB2951 , HB2961 , HB3151 , HB3581 , HB3705 , HB3970 , HB3972 , HB3980 , HB3981
Keywords:
Medicaid, federal funding, state law, healthcare, low-income adults, Oklahoma Constitution, healthcare regulations, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, permanent rules, joint resolution, OHCA, health care rules, administrative rules, major rule, Title 75, Title 317, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 317:30, health policy, state health programs
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- CHEER Act, which is the new bill we'll talk about today.
- CHEER Act, which is the new bill we'll talk about today.
- This is the CHER Act. CHER is the College and Higher Education Excellence and Results Act.
- Of that, $399,150,000 would go to the RAISE Act.
- So I would go to the um cheer act.
Bills:
HB235 , HB236 , HB565 , HB237 , HB238 , HB239 , HB240 , HB241 , HB242 , HB235 , HB236 , HB565 , HB237 , HB238 , HB239 , HB240 , HB241 , HB242
Committee:
House Ways and Means Education
Keywords:
social media, age verification, minors, under 16, children online safety, online privacy, platform regulation, deceptive trade practice, Attorney General, civil penalties, punitive damages, consumer protection, account creation, algorithmic feeds, internet safety, youth social media, HB236, Baldwin County, Board of Equalization, per diem
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 20th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Colleagues, if we could cease all conversations and return to our desks, please rise.
- Please cease all conversations and return to your desks. Please rise.
- Anne Catherine Briferton, I tried, acting delegate of Quebec in Los Angeles.
- Ask that all conversations cease from the floor and continue them in the back of the chambers.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed a visiting Quebec National Assembly official, Matu Lemay, who was introduced as a special envoy discussing California-Quebec environmental collaboration. The body also approved Senate journals, suspended Joint Rule 62A to allow certain bills to be heard in Appropriations on short notice, and deemed gubernatorial and Assembly messages read.
The chamber then considered three gubernatorial appointments. Courtney Welch was confirmed to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board of Directors by a 29-1 vote, Janessa Goldbeck was confirmed to the California Veterans Board by a 28-2 vote, and Tom Huntington was confirmed to the State Parks and Recreation Commission by a 28-0 vote. The Senate also adopted the consent calendar, including Senate Bill 607, by a 37-0 vote.
The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment memories honoring Elizabeth Betsy Hammer Carr, Alberto Ronel, William Louis McIntyre Jr., and Joy Atkinson. Senators highlighted each individual’s public service, community leadership, activism, and family legacy, with particular emphasis on Carr’s labor and housing advocacy, Ronel’s health care and behavioral health work, McIntyre’s business and civic contributions, and Atkinson’s leadership development work for African American women in public life. The Senate then announced its next floor session and recessed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 20th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, colleagues, if we could cease all conversations and return to our desks, please rise.
- Could we cease all conversations and return to our desks, please? Please rise.
- Anne Catherine Briferton, I tried, acting delegates of Quebec in Los Angeles.
- Ask that all conversations cease from the floor and continue them in the back of the chambers.
Summary:
The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief recognition of Senator Seyarto’s upcoming birthday. The pro tem introduced Matu LeMay of the Quebec National Assembly, who was visiting to discuss California-Quebec environmental collaboration, including their long-standing linkage of cap-and-trade markets. Messages from the Governor and Assembly were deemed read, journals were approved, and Joint Rule 62A was suspended to allow certain bills to be heard in Appropriations Committee with shortened notice.
The chamber then considered three gubernatorial appointments. Courtney Welch was confirmed to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board of Directors by a 29-1 vote, Janessa Goldbeck was confirmed to the California Veterans Board by a 28-0 vote, and Tom Huntington was confirmed to the State Parks and Recreation Commission by a 28-0 vote. The Senate also adopted the consent calendar, which included Senate Bill 607, by a 37-0 vote.
The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment memorials honoring Elizabeth “Betsy” Hammer Carr, Alberto Ronel, William Louis “Bill” McIntyre Jr., and Joy Atkinson. Senators described their activism, public service, community leadership, and personal impact, with particular emphasis on Carr’s social justice work, Ronel’s health care service and the need for worker safety, McIntyre’s business and civic contributions, and Atkinson’s decades of mentorship and leadership for Black women in politics. Family members and guests were recognized in the gallery during the memorials.
The Senate announced that the next floor session would be Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 9 a.m., with the chamber in recess until later that day for adjournment proceedings.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 20th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Colleagues, if we could cease all conversations and return to our desks, please rise.
- Please cease all conversations, return to your desks. Please rise.
- Anne Catherine Briferton, I tried, acting delegates of Quebec in Los Angeles.
- Ask that all conversations cease from the floor and continue them in the back of the chambers.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Jan 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment cites the National Labor Relations Act.
- So railroad workers are covered under the Railway Labor Relations Act or the Railway Labor Act, or the
- So railroad workers are covered under the Railway Labor Relations Act or the Railway Labor Act, or the
- So railroad workers are covered under the Railway Labor Relations Act or the Railway Labor Act, and they're
- Senate Bill 6136 is an act relating to promoting transparency.
Summary:
The Labor and Commerce Committee held public hearings and later executive action on several bills. Senate Bill 6158, by request of L&I, would update factory-built housing and commercial structure rules to incorporate International Code Council standards and allow qualified third-party inspectors approved by L&I; the sponsor said it would make modular housing inspections more efficient and cost-effective, and L&I supported it with a requested technical amendment and no fiscal impact. Senate Bill 6197 would separate plumbing discipline standards for residential and nonresidential work, allowing suspension after five infractions in five years for nonresidential violations while keeping the current three-in-36-month standard for residential work; supporters from mechanical contractors, union plumbers, and a plumbing advisory board member said it would curb unlicensed work and unsafe practices, while opponents from contractor groups and some plumbing businesses argued it was too punitive, did not adequately distinguish commercial service from construction, and should be refined. L&I said it needed time to implement and asked for a later effective date.
During executive session, the committee adopted a proposed substitute and advanced Senate Bill 5437, which voids noncompetition covenants, with a delayed effective date and other conforming changes; some Republicans opposed it as too broad. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 6117, which would extend PERC jurisdiction and state collective-bargaining protections if federal labor law no longer applies, after rejecting an amendment that would have narrowed coverage further. Senate Bill 5852, dealing with immigrant worker protections during federal I-9 inspections, advanced after the committee rejected an amendment to remove the private right of action. Senate Bill 5847, on workers’ compensation medical care and treatment access, advanced with an amendment removing penalty provisions and another adding claims manager positions; the bill was sent to Ways and Means. Senate Bills 6067 and 6136 also advanced, the former changing workers’ compensation health benefit calculations and the latter requiring L&I to publish actuarially indicated industrial insurance rates.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 6302, which would address misclassification in finishing trades on public works by limiting contractors and subcontractors to no more than two independent contractors on covered finishing work such as drywall, flooring, tile, painting, and glazier work, with violators treated as employees for prevailing wage and workers’ compensation purposes. Supporters from building trades and pipefitters said the bill would reduce misclassification, protect workers, and level the playing field; opponents from general contractors and contractor associations said it would effectively ban legitimate independent contractors, reduce flexibility on public projects, and hurt small businesses. L&I said it had clarifying questions about how the cap would apply and asked for more specificity.