Transcript Highlights:

• The wage recovery work group was established under legislation in 2024.
• owed to workers through a wage complaint process.
• So that is where an employer is found to have violated a wage payment requirement and there are wages
• , recover those wages, and be made whole as quickly and as fully as possible. wages, recover those wages
• It's tied to the annual, the average annual wage in the state.

Summary: The committee heard a report on the Underground Economy Task Force in Washington’s construction industry. Labor and Industries said the task force, created by a 2024 budget proviso, met 11 times and developed consensus recommendations to improve enforcement against worker misclassification, unregistered contractors, and unpaid taxes and premiums. Consensus items included defining and regulating construction labor providers, improving interagency data sharing, increasing penalties for repeat offenders, expanding L&I authority over successor accountability, reviewing agency penalty rules, and exploring tracking of cash payments. Majority-but-not-consensus ideas included posting subcontractor notices at job sites, setting an independent-contractor threshold that would trigger L&I review, holding direct contractors liable for unpaid wages owed by subcontractors, and reviewing reporting requirements. Testifiers from labor, business, and the Attorney General’s Office generally supported stronger enforcement and transparency, while business representatives cautioned against overregulation and said any new rules should avoid burdening legitimate contractors or restricting lawful cash payments and independent contracting. L&I said the final report would be distributed by December 31 and the task force work group would be reconvened. The committee then reviewed the wage recovery work group report. L&I explained current wage complaint procedures and said the work group, made up of labor and business representatives, reached five consensus recommendations: allow L&I to prioritize wage complaints strategically, permit aggregation of related complaints, raise the minimum penalty under the Wage Payment Act from $1,000 to $1,500 and create a penalty matrix, improve employer awareness with materials for new hires, and establish a wage recovery fund. The fund would be seeded by penalties, would not require new employer assessments, and would allow limited early payments to eligible workers facing hardship, with a proposed cap of $2,500 and a later review of the program. Business and labor representatives both supported the overall framework, though business raised concerns about fraud safeguards and recovery of funds if a claim is later found invalid. Members also received an overview of Washington’s apprenticeship system. L&I described the state’s apprenticeship agency structure, the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, and the difference between Washington’s state apprenticeship standards and the federal Office of Apprenticeship system. The presentation highlighted current participation levels, program approval and objection processes, and strong post-completion outcomes, including median annual earnings above $100,000 and an estimated $7.80 return for every public dollar invested. Committee members asked about how apprentices apply, how sponsors work with L&I, and whether recurring objections could be addressed earlier in the process. Finally, the committee heard updates on wildland firefighter respiratory protection, federal cuts to NIOSH, and economic and federal policy impacts on unemployment insurance and workforce services. L&I said wildland firefighters face significant smoke exposure and cancer risk, but current rules do not require respiratory protection for that work because of technical and operational challenges; the agency is watching efforts in other jurisdictions and at the federal level. On NIOSH, L&I warned that federal staffing and grant cuts could weaken occupational safety research, training pipelines, and programs affecting Washington workers, including firefighter cancer tracking and Hanford exposure assessments. ESD reported rising UI claims, a stable unemployment rate, and pressure on the trust fund, while also describing technology and process changes that have improved claims handling. ESD also said HR1 will significantly increase demand on WorkSource services through new work-search requirements for SNAP and Medicaid recipients, creating an unfunded mandate that the agency is preparing to implement with partner agencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion prevails. Members, if you would be so kind to stand.
• The motion prevails.
• The motion prevails. Sen. Murphy: Mr.
• The motion prevails, Sen. Murphy. President, pursuant to Rule 26. Sen. Rasmusson: Mr.
• The motion prevails. The Senate is... THE RECESS IN THE CAUCUS ROOM.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If there is no objection, the motions will prevail.
• Hearing no objection, the motions prevail and the substitutions will be made.
• Hearing no objection, the motions prevail.
• Motion prevails. Announcements. Representative Nisga'a. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• The motion prevails. Representative Nisga'a. I move that the House do now adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being 6 ayes and 5 nays, the motion prevails.
• There being 11 ayes and 0 nays, the motion prevails.
• And one not voting, the motion prevails.
• nays 11 ayes and nays, the motion prevails.
• Thank you. motion prevails. The motion prevails. Um OK.

Bills: HB113

Keywords: HB 113, Texas, Government Code Chapter 1253, general obligation bonds, bond election, voter approval, political subdivision, local government, city bonds, county bonds, school district bonds, capital projects, public finance, bond referendum, ballot measure, five-year waiting period, rejected proposition, election law, municipal finance

Transcript Highlights:

• ONE RIGHT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IS MINIMUM WAGE.
• THIS DOES NOT ADDRESS THE FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE.
• THE THIRD CASE FROM 14 YEARS AGO BEFORE THE MINIMUM WAGE WENT INTO EFFECT BEFORE THE MINIMUM WAGE WAS
• MINIMUM WAGE IS NOT EVEN A LIVABLE WAGE. [APPLAUSE] >> Sen. Fine: I WILL THROW PEOPLE OUT WHO CLAP.
• I ACTUALLY GET PAID MINIMUM WAGE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The hourly wage in the community should match the hourly wages paid at the supported living centers.
• The high-end wage equals $20 an hour.
• We appreciate the proposed increase in direct care wages in SB 1, but raising wages from $10.60 to $12
• Care wage is not a sustainable wage for your average Texan to live on in Austin or in any other major
• They need to earn a livable wage.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion prevails.
• </c><00:17:21.600><c> the</c> prevails.
• Members, remaining in the prevails.
• The motion prevails.
• The motion prevails. The Senate is now adjourned. [music] &gt;&gt; All those opposed say no.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, the motion prevails and the amendment is adopted. Representative Baker, present your bill.
• Okay, the motion prevails and the amendment is adopted.
• Okay, the motion prevails and the amendment is adopted.
• Okay, the motion prevails and the amendment is adopted.
• Okay, the motion prevails and the bill is on its way to Education Finance.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Motion prevails.
• Motion prevails.
• Motion prevails.
• Motion<00:37:27.800><c> prevails.</c> Motion prevails. Motion prevails.
• Motion prevails.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• regular monthly wages.
• Wage Act; and three, modifying the Washington Law Against Discrimination.
• As a general reminder, the State Minimum Wage Act and related provisions, including minimum wage, overtime
• All workers in every industry deserve the right to minimum wage.
• In supporting HB 2409, it will allow farm workers to negotiate a livable wage.

Summary: The House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee heard public testimony on several bills. HB 2151 would update factory-built housing and commercial structure rules by directing L&I to consider newer national standards and allowing inspections by qualified third-party agencies without requiring a contract; the sponsor and L&I said it would save time and money and help lower costs for manufactured housing. HB 2372 would change workers’ compensation time-loss calculations so injured workers receive 100% of the employer’s monthly health care contribution unless the employer keeps paying it; supporters said this would better protect injured workers and their families, while a small-business representative opposed the bill and suggested direct payment to insurers instead, and L&I noted implementation costs and timing concerns. HB 2355, the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, would create standalone protections for domestic workers covering wages, written agreements, notice before termination or severance, anti-harassment and anti-retaliation rules, and discrimination protections, while also extending minimum wage/overtime/sick leave coverage to some domestic workers; testimony from workers, advocates, Seattle officials, and the sponsor emphasized wage theft, insecurity, and the need for statewide standards, while L&I said technical clarifications and funding would be needed. HB 2409 would establish a collective bargaining framework for agricultural workers under PERC, with procedures for representation elections, mediation, and interest arbitration; supporters framed it as a long-overdue extension of bargaining rights and dignity to farmworkers, while growers and farm bureau representatives warned it could disrupt harvests, harm farms, and affect the food supply. HB 2472 would strengthen enforcement of fire sprinkler licensing and certification by allowing local fire code officials to request proof of credentials and issue stop-work orders; labor, fire marshals, and industry groups supported it as a public safety measure, while the building industry raised a drafting concern about the term “residential sprinkler.” No votes or final committee actions were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> programs in place and partial wage programs in place and partial wage replacement<00:05:13.240><
• the state's average annual wage.
• uh kind of the Social Security uh wage uh kind of wage wage wage cap<00:08:52.200><c> and</c><00:08:
• To be eligible, an applicant must have wage credits of 5.3% of the state's average annual wage.
• and people who make lower wages.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion prevails. Message from the Senate, Madam Speaker.
• The motion prevails. Message from the Senate. Those opposed, nay. The motion prevails.
• Hearing no objection, the motions prevail. Announcements. Representative Nash.
• The motion prevails. Representative Nash. Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.
• The motion prevails and the House stands adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 7th, 2025. ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪

Transcript Highlights:

• Page 2: low-wage workers. Page 42: largely illiterate.
• Page 2: low-wage workers. Page 42: largely illiterate.
• out one individual exception to the rule as a basis to deny nonprofit status and looking at the prevailing
• out one individual exception to the rule as a basis to deny nonprofit status and looking at the prevailing
• </c><04:44:06.760><c> circumstances</c> looking at the prevailing circumstances looking at the prevailing

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing and then an executive session on HB 650, a housekeeping-style bill from the Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds. Testimony explained that the bill would remove references to two already-repealed dedicated funds, split the state parks dedicated fund so Cannon Mountain winter activities would be tracked separately from the rest of the parks system, and place a $1 million cap on the robotics education fund so excess money would revert to the general fund. Supporters said the changes were mainly administrative but would improve accounting and avoid timing issues; committee members asked about a typographical error in the bill text and whether the measure was more than housekeeping. The committee later voted 16-0 to recommend HB 650 ought to pass, and then placed it on the consent calendar. The committee also opened a public hearing on HB 585, which would revise the property tax exemption for religious organizations. Representative John Janigian, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to help small churches and other religious groups that own parsonages or worship buildings but no longer have a resident pastor, allowing them to rent space or use property for church purposes without losing the exemption so long as the money is used for church operations, maintenance, or outreach. He described his Salem church’s parsonage being taxed after it was no longer occupied by a pastor, and said the bill would prevent similar burdens on small congregations. Former Representative Betty Gay testified in support, describing prior assessor actions in Salem that taxed church land and buildings very aggressively, while a Municipal Association representative testified in opposition. Committee members raised questions about how terms such as “regularly recognized and constituted denomination” would be defined, whether the bill could be applied consistently to larger denominations with multiple parishes, and whether legislative research should review past treatment of similar cases.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I will continue to fight for high wages like we've been doing for decades, and that funding source
• And I will continue to fight for high wages like we've been doing for decades, and that funding source
• <00:09:29.120><c> standard</c> wage standard wage standard which<00:09:30.040><c> is</c><00:09:30.240
• The committee has made our conditions safer, and with the wages and the insurance or, sorry, the wages
• ><c> the</c> The wages and the holiday pay has also been a great benefit for our workers.

Bills: HF1419, HF500

Keywords: nursing facilities, reimbursement rates, elderly care, minimum wage, healthcare funding, nursing home, employment standards, worker rights, Minnesota Statutes, labor compensation, 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 500, which would require the legislature to fund the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s standards before they could take effect. An author’s DE2 amendment was adopted first; the amendment was described as pausing the board’s standards unless the legislature estimates and fully pays the cost for each nursing home. The bill author argued that mandates without money create serious consequences for seniors and providers, and said the measure would keep budget authority with the legislature rather than an appointed board. Supporters, including nursing home operators and the Long-Term Care Imperative, said the board’s holiday pay and minimum wage standards would create large unfunded costs, citing estimates ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for individual facilities and more than $200 million statewide. They argued that some facilities could face debt, reserve depletion, or reduced access to care if the standards are not funded. Opponents, including SEIU workers and union leaders, said the board has improved staffing, recruitment, morale, and worker safety, and that caregivers deserve higher wages and holiday pay. They argued the bill would weaken the board’s ability to address chronic understaffing and would shift focus away from worker protections. Members also debated whether nursing home reimbursement rates have already risen enough to cover wages and whether the problem lies with how funds are used by providers. After public testimony closed, several members spoke in opposition and support. A roll call was requested, and the committee voted 9-7 to re-refer House File 500, as amended, to the Committee on Labor and Workforce and Economic Development Finance and Policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• of employees who receive wages through an electronic wage card; House Bill 2124, to protect hospital
• workers from being deprived of their wages; House Bill 2145, establishing a minimum wage for employees
• of employees who receive wages through an electronic wage card house number 2074 employees who receive
• 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

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• regular monthly wages.
• Wage Act; and three, modifying the Washington Law Against Discrimination.
• As a general reminder, the State Minimum Wage Act and related provisions, including minimum wage, overtime
• ... ...including pay domestic workers at least the minimum hourly wage and overtime wages, specify the
• All workers in every industry deserve the right to minimum wage.

Bills: HB2355, HB2151, HB2372, HB2472, HB2409

Keywords: labor protections, domestic workers, wage standards, employment rights, worker safety, factory built housing, commercial structures, national standards, construction regulation, building safety, workers' compensation, benefits, employment, injury claims, insurance, liability, fire protection, sprinkler systems, licensed contractors, certified fitters

Transcript Highlights:

• of employees who receive wages through an electronic wage card; House Bill 2124, to protect hospital
• of employees who receive wages through an electronic wage card; Employees who receive wages through
• of their wages; House Bill 2124, the House bill establishing a minimum wage for employees of airline
• An act protecting wages of employees who receive wages through an electronic wage card, House Bill 2074
• An act protecting wages of employees who receive wages through an electronic wage card, House Bill 2074

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began 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. The House also adopted multiple orders extending committee reporting deadlines, including for the Committees on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities; Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure; Health Care Financing; Revenue; and Transportation. In addition, the House concurred with a Senate referral on legislation concerning Great River Regional School Districts and suspended Joint Rule 12 to send two petitions to committee, one on retirement benefits for Suzanne Garcia and another on 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, incentives for donations to local nonprofits, limits on prison labor, and a sick leave bank for a DCF employee. After suspending Rule 7A, the House gave these bills second reading and ordered them to a third reading. On third reading and final action, the House passed to be enacted a sick leave bank bill for a Department of Correction employee, concurred in a Senate amendment to a land conveyance bill for Brockton, and passed to be engrossed several local and special legislation bills, including measures involving Conway police and fire department employees and an Arlington firefighter civil service exception. The House then adopted an order to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion prevails, members.
• We will now proceed prevails, members.
• We will now proceed prevails, members.
• The motion prevails. I'll now go to The motion prevails.
• The motion prevails.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Motion prevails. Thank you, Representative Lawrence, on that.
• Motion prevails. Thank you, Representative Fogelman. Mr.
• Motion prevails. We now have the bill before us as amended, two-year bill.
• Motion prevails. Thank you, Representative Robbins. Okay.
• This industry is a $3 billion impact, with 1.9 directly, with over 1.1 billion in wages and benefits,

Bills: HF1016, HF2800, HF156, HF3051, HF526, HF2658, HF2062, HF2801

Keywords: local government aid, Baldwin, taxation, base year formula, municipal funding, population aid, aid penalty forgiveness, Minnesota, city funding, appropriations, HF156, lawful gambling, veterans organizations, licensed veterans organization, Minnesota gambling law, gross profits, lawful purpose, real property repair, facility maintenance, capital assets

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we'll now proceed to prevails.
• The motion prevails.
• Members, we will now proceed prevails.
• The motion prevails.
• The motion prevails. The opposed say no. The motion prevails.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all