Transcript Highlights:

• registered a support position with the committee.
• We are in strong support. Thank you. Good morning.
• SB 1024, the motion is do pass and re-refer to the Committee on Labor, Employment and Employment, with
• Are there any more witnesses in support?
• For example, SB 848 required all potential employers to inquire with previous employers regarding potential

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are in strong support.
• So is that $5,000 per employee or for per employer?
• I'd like to go on record in support.
• I'd like to go on record in support.
• up on that decade and support Southwest Missouri.

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development met with a quorum and first heard House Bill 2409 from Rep. Brenda Shields, which would create three child care-related tax credit programs to help address Missouri’s workforce and child care shortages. Shields said the bill is aimed at expanding affordable, reliable child care through community partnerships involving businesses, nonprofits, and providers, with credits for contributions to child care facilities, employer-provided child care assistance, and provider facility improvements. She and supporters cited child care deserts, high costs, and lost economic output, arguing the bill would help parents work and businesses recruit and retain employees. Witnesses in support included the Missouri Chamber, Kids Win Missouri, Associated Industries of Missouri, local chambers, economic development groups, and child care-related organizations; there was no opposition testimony. The committee then moved into executive session and approved House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2508 and House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2517, both by unanimous 12-0 roll call votes and both sent do pass on consent. The 2508 substitute dealt with series LLC language, including searchable records and stand-alone certificates of good standing. The 2517 substitute addressed wholesaling, adding a 14-day disclosure period and changing Attorney General enforcement language from “shall” to “may.” Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2654 from Rep. Knight, which would create a Missouri Works capital investment track for projects with at least $50 million in investment, offering a 2.5% tax credit without requiring new job creation. The sponsor and Department of Economic Development said the proposal is modeled on programs in other states and is intended to help Missouri compete for large investments, especially in manufacturing and automation. Many business and economic development groups testified in support, emphasizing retention, expansion, and regional competition; several members asked whether the $50 million threshold could be lowered, and the sponsor said he was open to discussion. No opposition testimony was offered, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony and support. Leong. Okay. Testimony and support.
• </c> de is in support of this measure. de is in support of this measure.
• Okay. written testimony and support.<00:13:06.560><c> Okay.</c> support. Okay. support. Okay.
• We support the bill. And I amendments. We support the bill.
• In support. We have Hawaii State Fed AFL-CIO. Randy Pereira, in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Labor and Technology Committee heard testimony on several bills, mostly related to workers’ compensation, labor relations, retirement, and employment exemptions. HB 423 would clarify selection of certified rehabilitation providers and require automatic approval of vocational rehabilitation services when likely needed for suitable gainful employment; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested timeline amendments, including advancing the plan within 90 days of the initial evaluation and filing it with the employer, employee, and director within two days. HB 480 would let an attending physician request a functional capacity exam without employer permission and deem licensed occupational and physical therapists qualified to perform such exams; it drew support from the department, the Hawaii Insurance Council, and the Hawaii Medical Association. HB 162 would expand the pool of interest arbitrators for collective bargaining disputes by allowing the HLRB to request a list from FMCS as well as the ABA, and testimony from labor groups supported that change. HB 164 concerned indebtedness to the state and wage deductions; HGA supported it with comments, while the Department of Accounting and General Services raised concerns about the percentage structure but said it could implement the requested changes. The committee also heard HB 1152, which would permanently exempt three specialized Department of Taxation positions from civil service; the department supported the measure and said the positions are not currently civil service positions. HB 214 would allow certain retirees to work in school resource officer or investigator roles without losing retirement benefits, subject to conditions; ERS expressed concerns about shortening the required separation period from 12 months to 6 months and about uniform administration and cost implications, while the Department of the Attorney General and Department of Education supported the bill, and the Department of Law Enforcement asked to include its investigators as well. HB 874 would amend the Uniform Custodial Trust Act for child performers, requiring trust accounts for minors meeting certain earnings thresholds and making misuse of funds a fiduciary breach; SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, HGEA, the Hawaii State AFL-CIO, and the Hawaii Nurses Association supported it, and members discussed that enforcement would likely need further research, possibly through labor or the film office. HB 159 would cap the civil service exemption for personal service contracts with qualified community rehabilitation programs at $850,000 in the aggregate per private person or entity; United Public Workers, HGEA, and the Hawaii State AFL-CIO supported it. No final votes were taken because the committee lacked quorum. After recessing and reconvening, the chair announced that decision-making on the agenda would be deferred to Wednesday, March 12 at 3:01 p.m. in Room 224.

Transcript Highlights:

• What's the definition of an employer? What's the definition of an employer, anybody?
• have provided even full-time employment or just under full-time employment.
• I'm here to support AB 177. I urge you all to support it too.
• Specifically, we support the employer fair share contribution plan that requires corporations to pay
• As a result, I'm urging your support on AB 177. It's in support of a fair share.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So you can, as an employer, Good chairman and committee.
• So you can, as an employer, Some employers who offer benefits.
• So you can, as an employer, either offer benefits or you don't.
• I have some concerns and reservations with supporting the motion.
• These are not siloed to single employers in the state.

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:

• </c> regulation it it does list employment regulation it it does list employment leaves<00:09:23.640>
• </c> programs that uh help to have employers programs that uh help to have employers go<00:31:48.720>
• </c> program is designed for small employers program is designed for small employers so<00:32:17.960>
• This is a program that supports employers in building their own dual training programs that combine related
• This is a program that supports employers in building their own dual training programs that combine related

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and, um, every employer does have the right to set the terms of the employment.
• , and, um, every employer does have the right to set the terms of the employment.
• employers and employer groups, are not asking for this bill.
• are</c><02:41:10.000><c> not</c> employers and employer groups are not employers and employer groups
• Thank you for considering and supporting this law. Uh, I will not be supporting this law.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We bring the supply to match the employers' demand.
• Ultimately, all roads lead to employment.
• We ask those publicly incentivized employers to make every effort to employ publicly supported job seekers
• Uh, this bill creates the cross-agency Employment Resource Initiative.
• if separation from their actual last employer would be disqualifying.

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of students, since 2012, 70 students have been supported by the Autism Support Program.
• In terms of students, since 2012, 70 students have been supported by autism support program.
• That business network is one we've started now with our supported employment program called Program Forge
• And, of course, he did that with grace and patient support provided by employers who were willing to
• more support around that.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We work to support employers.
• We work to support employers and employees, regulators, carriers, the federal government, legislators
• We do appreciate their support.
• really help support the new and higher-risk employers within the state of Idaho.
• Johnson, you mentioned high-risk employers.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Move on without support.
• Scholarship support so that the students get financial support.
• employment called Program Forge, supported employment program called Program Forge, that Marianne will
• And, of course, he did that with grace and patient support provided by employers who were willing to
• , you know, more support around. of support in adulthood need to have, you know, more support around

Summary: The meeting opened with routine business, including approval of the January 13, 2026 minutes, and a brief recognition of Autism Awareness Month. The task force then heard a presentation from the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions on two student support programs: the Empower Program for non-degree-seeking students ages 18–24 with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program for degree-seeking students with autism. Speakers described academic coaching, peer and career coaching, residential supports, person-centered planning, internships, and scholarship/fee structures, noting that both programs charge a $5,000 per-semester fee and rely on scholarships and fundraising to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, individualized plans, and how students transition in and out of supports; presenters explained that Empower students remain in the program throughout, while Autism Support Program students may enter or leave services as needed. The committee next heard from Pulaski Technical College’s 3D program, a three-year transition and post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities focused on culinary, baking, and hospitality training. Presenters outlined integrated classes with traditional students, faded support over time, internships, and outcomes such as 97 students enrolled since the program began, 57 graduates, strong completion rates, and many graduates obtaining and retaining jobs in the food service industry. Members asked about how success is measured, why rates are not 100 percent, the role of integrated classes, tuition, and community partnerships; staff explained that grading includes technical and professional skills, tuition is $5,700 per semester, and scholarships such as GETS and FAFSA help reduce costs. They also noted plans to expand offerings and pursue accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. Finally, the task force received a presentation from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, community activities, and advocacy. Leaders described a long-term vision tied to the Cato Springs mixed-use development, where housing, jobs, clinical services, and community amenities would be integrated in a “live, work, play” model. They discussed a residential program, a new vocational program called Program Forge, community events, and the challenges of the “services cliff” after age 21, especially for adults with complex support needs. Members and parents spoke about the importance of trained direct support professionals, ABA-based supports, and the need for better funding and service models for adults. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming autism-related events and a request for future discussion on task force appointments and broader issues around ABA oversight and misuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are in strong support.
• So we would appreciate all of your support.
• So is that $5,000 per employee or per employer?
• I'd like to go on record in support.
• up on that decade and support this in moving forward.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• supporting program expansion, faculty, recruitment in clinical placements.
• In earning industry credential that leads directly to Employment.
• A Gold SEAL K program supporting 592 students with an average awarded $902.
• Totaled $533,713 supporting 602 students with an average award of $887.
• It will translate to meaningful, you know, employment outcomes, right?

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> individuals with the tools and support individuals with the tools and support necessary<00:05:34.960
• from the state, and you know, I support it, ...I support it, but I was disappointed that you withdrew
• </c> mediation services public employment mediation services public employment Relations<00:33:05.440
• </c><00:55:09.200><c> or</c><00:55:09.599><c> are</c><00:55:10.119><c> employers</c> out to employers
• or are employers out to employers or are employers required<00:55:11.559><c> to</c><00:55:11.720><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm in support of Home Rule Petition 2749.
• I would hope that you support that from a fairness point of view.
• I just wanted to again push for my support for H-2749, ensuring that all of these employees are supported
• This concludes my lot of support, or offer support for this, and thank you for your time.
• , and that's why the bill is just to add CPCS as an employer.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of retirement, municipal workforce, and public employee labor bills. Early testimony focused on H. 2749, a Plymouth home rule petition to classify Plymouth harbormaster employees as Group 4 for retirement purposes. Supporters, including local officials and retirement board representatives, argued the employees perform law-enforcement and rescue duties comparable to police and fire personnel, that the change would be fair, and that it would have little or no fiscal impact on the town. A separate harbormaster-related bill, H. 2743, was also introduced later in the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on provisions of the Municipal Empowerment Act (H. 56), including a temporary critical-shortage exemption allowing retired state or municipal employees to return to work in hard-to-fill positions, and a renewed OPEB commission to study retiree health care costs. Administration and municipal officials said the measures were needed to address staffing shortages and rising benefit liabilities, while emphasizing the shortage exemption would be time-limited and require proof of recruitment efforts. Related retirement bills drew support and caution: advocates for higher COLA bases and enhanced COLA benefits urged relief for retirees, but some asked the committee to wait for recommendations from the special COLA commission before acting. A major portion of the hearing concerned labor rights at the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and the Committee for Public Counsel Services. Union representatives and employees backed bills to extend just-cause protections, promotional rights, and collective bargaining rights to MWRA and CPCS workers, arguing they currently lack protections available to most other public employees. Testimony described unfair discipline, delayed promotions, and high turnover, and committee members indicated prior favorable action on similar MWRA bills and expressed support for addressing CPCS labor rights. The committee also heard from representatives of the Massachusetts Municipal Association and public higher education employees in support of H. 2820, which would require timely funding of ratified state employee contracts, with witnesses describing long delays in receiving negotiated raises and back pay. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair repeatedly invited written testimony and closed each panel after questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Martin Ortee, waving in support. Justin Sipersand, waving in support.
• Karen Justin Sipersand, waving in support. Karen Woodall, waving in support.
• Lison Ellington, waving in support. Veronica Kivalais, waving in support.
• Cheyenne Selesky, waving in support. Brandon Santiago, waving in support.
• Michelle Rodriguez, waving in support. Emily Gorence, waving in support.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll be supporting it.
• I strongly support the bill.
• I strongly support the bill.
• Ken Wang on behalf of the California Employment Lawyers Association in support. Thank you.
• My support. in strong support. Thank you. My name's Hosham.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1521, the Judiciary Committee’s civil law omnibus measure. The bill makes a number of minor, mostly clarifying changes, including repealing obsolete Government Code provisions, allowing juvenile courts to hear petitions to establish records of birth, death, or marriage, requiring notice of probate petitions to the Department of Child Support Services, and correcting typos in existing law. It had no opposition and was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, though it was later placed on call pending additional votes. Members then heard AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. The author and supporters framed it as a reparative, race-neutral-by-lineage effort to address historic housing discrimination and the racial wealth gap, while opponents argued it was an unconstitutional racial proxy and should instead be based on individual injury. The bill drew strong support and opposition testimony, was amended, and was approved on a do-pass as amended vote to Appropriations, then placed on call. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, was heard next. The bill would expand and standardize caregiving and guardianship tools for families facing immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a new short-term guardianship process that preserves parental rights. Supporters said it would reduce trauma and help children remain with trusted caregivers; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved it on a do-pass to Human Services vote and placed it on call. The committee also heard AB 392, which would address non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media by requiring uploader consent certifications, faster takedown procedures, and civil remedies against uploaders and hosting sites. A survivor testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments; the bill was moved on a do-pass as amended basis to Appropriations and placed on call. AB 692, which would prohibit employer “stay-or-pay” debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave or are terminated, also advanced despite opposition from business and industry groups concerned about impacts on signing bonuses and voluntary training programs. It was sent to Appropriations on a do-pass as amended vote and placed on call, along with AB 1234, a wage-claim enforcement bill aimed at reducing Labor Commissioner delays and adding consequences for employers who fail to participate in the process. The committee also heard AB 394, which expands protections for transit workers and allows transit agencies to seek restraining orders against violent riders; it received broad support, some concern about system-wide bans, and was discussed with amendments that preserved judicial discretion.

Transcript Highlights:

• L&I's role was to provide support for the work.
• employers, and apprentices any way we can.
• So I think what you're referencing would be called employer select, where the employer can select and
• The employer, like, if it's part of regulation, it's likely the employer.
• The employer, like, if it's part of regulation, it's likely the employer.

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:

• So when you talk to employers out there, most employers do provide 15-minute breaks and 30-minute meal
• So when you talk to employers out there, most employers do provide 15-minute breaks and 30-minute meal
• So when you talk to employers out there, most employers do provide 15-minute breaks and 30-minute meal
• I'm here in support of Senate File 2373 and want to highlight our support for a couple of provisions
• </c> Minnesota I'm here to speak in support Minnesota I'm here to speak in support of<00:26:44.799><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the wage and employment records would be subject to the discretion of the wage of the employers.
• I certainly support the ability to get these records, wage and employment records, and insurance records
• </c> employer when they leave their job. employer when they leave their job.
• largest employers.
• </c> um statutes related to employment law. um statutes related to employment law.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all