Bills: SB6045, SB6188, SB6053, SB5852

Keywords: agriculture, collective bargaining, labor relations, public employment, agricultural employees, SB 6188, asbestos, asbestos training, asbestos certification, asbestos worker, asbestos supervisor, Department of Labor and Industries, L&I, rulemaking authority, occupational safety, workplace safety, hazardous materials, abatement, encapsulation, removal

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several labor-related bills, beginning with SB 6045 on agricultural workers’ collective bargaining rights. Staff explained that the bill would place agricultural employees under PERC, allow certification by cross-check or election, require bargaining before changes to wages or working conditions, and create interest arbitration and enforcement remedies; the fiscal note was described as significant. Supporters, including farmworkers, labor advocates, and community members, said the bill would correct a long-standing exclusion of farmworkers from labor protections and improve wages, safety, and dignity. Opponents, including growers, farm organizations, and business groups, argued that the bill’s card-check process, strike risk, arbitration, and broad scope could disrupt harvests, increase costs, and threaten farm viability. The sponsor said the bill was a starting point and emphasized the need to address exploitation in agriculture; no vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then heard SB 6188, an agency-request bill from the Department of Labor and Industries that would expand L&I’s rulemaking authority over asbestos certification and training. The sponsor and L&I said the change would let the agency adopt stronger worker-safety standards, including parts of the EPA model plan, and cited asbestos as a cancer-causing hazard. The Building Industry Association opposed the bill, warning that it could create conflicting state and federal requirements and increase costs without a demonstrated problem. The hearing on SB 6188 was closed after testimony. Next, the committee took up SB 6053, the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. Staff said the bill would extend minimum wage, overtime, written agreement, notice, anti-discrimination, and enforcement protections to domestic workers, with L&I responsible for administration and civil penalties available for violations. Supporters, including domestic workers, caregivers, and advocates, described wage theft, long hours, lack of written agreements, and vulnerability to abuse, and said the bill would bring dignity and basic protections to a largely immigrant workforce. L&I said it would need time and resources to implement the new rights and noted technical amendments. Finally, the committee heard SB 5852 on immigrant workers and I-9 audits. Staff and the Attorney General’s office said the bill would require employers to notify workers after receiving notice of a federal inspection, provide copies of results and deficiency notices, restrict voluntary access to records without a warrant or subpoena, and create enforcement and anti-retaliation provisions. Supporters framed the bill as due process and transparency for immigrant workers, while business, hospitality, county, and industry representatives raised concerns about federal conflict, short compliance timelines, translation burdens, and steep penalties. The hearing included extensive testimony but no final committee action was reported in the transcript.

Bills: SB6053, SB6134, SB6147, SB6106, SB6045, SB6135, SB6128, SB6282, SB6068, SB6303, SB6290

Keywords: SB 6053, domestic workers, domestic worker rights, labor protections, minimum wage, overtime, private household employment, nanny, home care worker, personal care provider, housekeeper, cleaner, cook, gardener, household manager, wage theft, retaliation, anti-discrimination, immigration status, privacy rights

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 6282, which would require building and construction apprenticeship programs to provide two hours of behavioral health and wellness training beginning in 2027. The sponsor and labor supporters said construction workers face elevated suicide and substance use risks and that the bill would help reduce stigma, improve peer support, and connect workers to resources. Testifiers from electrical workers, bricklayers, and building trades strongly supported the measure, describing it as an important first step and noting planned amendments to extend similar information through continuing education for journey-level workers. No vote was taken on this bill in the portion provided. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6135, which would require interest arbitration panels for most uniform personnel in cities, counties, and other local governments to consider the employer’s ability to pay. County and city associations supported the bill as a modest fiscal-relief measure and said it would align local arbitration with existing state law. Teamsters representatives and other labor witnesses opposed it, arguing it would weaken collective bargaining rights and let employers use financial hardship to delay or reduce fair contracts. The public hearing closed with a reported tally of 5 in favor and 22 opposed, and the bill was not advanced in the excerpt. In executive session, the committee acted on several bills. It adopted a proposed substitute for Senate Bill 6053 on domestic workers and then voted the bill do pass to Rules. It also passed Senate Bill 6134, which requires notice to striking workers about possible unemployment overpayment if they later receive retroactive wages. Senate Bill 6147 on grocery store closures in food deserts was sent to Ways and Means after members discussed the definition of “food desert” and concerns about the six-month notice requirement; the sponsor said the bill was still being refined. Senate Bill 6106, excluding Indian tribes from the Stable Act employer definition and protecting employee contact information from disclosure, also passed to Rules. For Senate Bill 6045 on agricultural employees and PERC jurisdiction, the committee adopted a Schoesler amendment requiring multilingual signage, then passed the amended bill to Ways and Means. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 6128 about using an L&I-approved third-party app to record independent medical exams, with supporters citing security and consistency and opponents saying it would burden injured workers and was unnecessary; and on Senate Bill 6068, which would expand contractor liability for unpaid construction wages, with workers and labor groups supporting stronger enforcement and contractors opposing broader liability. The hearing then moved to Senate Bill 6303 on cannabis packaging and vapor devices, where testimony was split between sustainability and industry supporters and public health opponents concerned about child poisonings and packaging changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• One additional housekeeping announcement: we will have a meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, at 10:15.
• that Co-Chair Long and I have negotiated for the organizational agreement, as well as some other housekeeping
• :02:23.720><c> other</c> agreement um as well as some other agreement um as well as some other housekeeping
• :24.920><c> that</c><00:02:25.000><c> will</c><00:02:25.160><c> be</c><00:02:25.760><c> uh</c> housekeeping
• matters so that will be uh housekeeping matters so that will be uh tomorrow<00:02:26.560><c> uh</c><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the other two changes are housekeeping provisions as relates to how lobbyists are notified that they
• So it would be a housekeeping measure.
• provisions as relates are housekeeping provisions as relates to<00:04:34.960><c> how</c><00:04:35.680
• So it would be a housekeeping<00:05:21.600><c> measure.
• </c><00:05:22.880><c> Um</c> housekeeping measure. Um housekeeping measure.

Keywords: Part two will take place after first executive session., 958, all

Summary: The commission first returned from executive session and noted that discussions there were preliminary only and no final agency action was taken. It then approved the budget report, which staff said was within year-to-date budget parameters. Members discussed recommended changes to the code of ethics. Staff proposed four items: defining and prohibiting sexual harassment as ethical misconduct; two housekeeping changes related to lobbyist registration notice and campaign contribution language; and a possible reduction of the post-service waiting period for former legislators to become lobbyists from two years to one year. Members agreed the lobbying cooling-off period was a broader General Assembly issue and voted to recommend only the first three changes, leaving the fourth for later review. The chair noted the July 1 deadline for submitting ethics-code recommendations to the LRC. The commission also approved renewal of a $100,000 contract with Casey Bailey and Mains for Robert Jenkins to continue serving as enforcement counsel, with hourly rates of $125 for the attorney and $40 for the paralegal. Finally, it approved a 3% cost-of-living pay increase for General Counsel Steven Pium, discussed possible conference attendance and informal opinions, and adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a necessary housekeeping step at the end of session. I urge member support.
• This aligns with our past practice on facilities and a necessary housekeeping step as well.
• Uh, we're going about to go to break for caucus, but first I wanted to just, as a housekeeping matter
• </c><00:17:05.400><c> matter</c><00:17:05.720><c> set</c><00:17:05.959><c> the</c> just as a housekeeping
• matter set the just as a housekeeping matter set the time<00:17:06.319><c> for</c><00:17:06.839><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a housekeeping piece to say that what we did and what we've been in practice for the last
• And it's a housekeeping measure. Further comments?
• And it's a housekeeping measure. Further comments? Seeing none, the motion is ought to pass.
• Aye. housekeeping piece to say that what we housekeeping piece to say that what we did<00:35:09.560><
• </c> And it's a housekeeping measure. And it's a housekeeping measure. So. So. So.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill does, it is a housekeeping bill for the Department of Workforce, formerly Department of
• 15.720><c> is</c><00:10:15.880><c> a</c> What this bill does, it is a What this bill does, it is a housekeeping
• 16.600><c> for</c><00:10:16.680><c> the</c><00:10:16.760><c> Department</c><00:10:17.120><c> of</c> housekeeping
• bill for the Department of housekeeping bill for the Department of Workforce,<00:10:17.760><c> formerly

Bills: HB568, HB499, HB433, HB568, HB499, HB433

Keywords: voting rights, restoration, pardons, Parole Board, re-registration, conviction, states' voting laws, Lawrence County, Sheriff, credit card, debit card, government purchases, discretionary fund, financial accountability, tax distribution, Talladega County, economic development, public safety, rural infrastructure, child labor

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a housekeeping<00:14:09.920><c> bill</c><00:14:10.800><c> uh</c><00:14:11.040><c> for</c><00:
• 14:11.360><c> the</c><00:14:11.600><c> Department</c> housekeeping bill uh for the Department housekeeping
• </c><00:14:46.720><c> is</c><00:14:46.880><c> just</c><00:14:47.040><c> a</c><00:14:47.279><c> housekeeping
• </c><00:14:47.920><c> bill</c> So, uh this is just a housekeeping bill So, uh this is just a housekeeping

Bills: HB415, HB419, SB219, SB170

Keywords: police abuse registry, law enforcement registry, officer assault, assault on police, resisting arrest, battery on law enforcement, law enforcement injury fund, Back the Blue Act, Attorney General, clemency, pardon, commutation, rehabilitation costs, medical costs, public safety, criminal records, background checks, registry removal fee, privacy, due process

Transcript Highlights:

• So the top line of file 2372 is that it is another housekeeping bill, which targets clarity and consistency
• </c><00:24:34.399><c> bill</c><00:24:34.760><c> which</c><00:24:34.919><c> targets</c> another housekeeping
• bill which targets another housekeeping bill which targets Clarity<00:24:35.679><c> and</c><00:24:35.880
• This is truly a housekeeping bill where we've identified some typos, inconsistencies throughout 342 that
• </c> much to add this is truly a housekeeping much to add this is truly a housekeeping Bill<00:26:03.960

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we do not consider HR 3, the housekeeping resolution, will the members of the House have an opportunity
• Um, has the, has the house ever not, not adopted the resolution of housekeeping before?
• 65th session in 1977 all the way to last session, the House has always adopted what we call the housekeeping
• housekeeping resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 3544 is the Department of Veterans Affairs Housekeeping and Federal Conformity Bill.
• House File 3544 is the Department of Veterans Affairs Housekeeping and Federal Conformity Bill.
• done in a previous housekeeping bill that I carried maybe last year even.
• </c><00:29:35.440><c> conform</c><00:29:36.000><c> federal</c> the housekeeping conform federal the housekeeping
• </c><00:29:39.039><c> bill</c><00:29:39.200><c> that</c><00:29:39.440><c> I</c> previous housekeeping

Bills: HF3540, HF3522, HF3544

Keywords: veterans rights, employment discrimination, human rights, Minnesota laws, protected classes, veterans, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs, Secret War in Laos, SGU veteran, Hmong veterans, Laotian veterans, honor guard, military funeral honors, state veterans cemetery, burial eligibility, veterans home, temporary closure, state active service, National Guard

Transcript Highlights:

• So, that's not exactly housekeeping, but this is a convenient way for him to do it rather than having
• So, that's not exactly housekeeping, but this is a convenient way for him to do it rather than having
• So, that's not exactly housekeeping, but this is a convenient way for him to do it rather than having
• So, that's not exactly housekeeping, but this is a convenient way for him to do it rather than having
• </c><01:00:45.600><c> is</c><01:00:45.720><c> a</c> exactly housekeeping, but this is a exactly housekeeping

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's just some housekeeping things.
• So that's just some housekeeping things.
• So that's just some housekeeping things.
• So that's just some housekeeping things.
• So that's just some housekeeping things.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with housekeeping about report deadlines and bill scheduling, noting that reports should be submitted as soon as possible, ideally by Friday night, so they can be reviewed and filed on time. The chair explained the process for Democratic and Republican reports, reviewed the timing sheet for early bills, and said the committee was trying to stay on schedule to avoid hearings during vacation week. He also shared his contact information for questions. The committee then moved into executive session on 10 bills. On HB 13, relative to OHRV operation on certain highways in Windsor, the committee voted unanimously to retain the bill after the prime sponsor asked that it be held for possible local action. On HB 127, extending the closing date of OHRV trails on the Connecticut River headquarters property from September 30 to Columbus Day, members debated economic benefits for Pittsburgh versus concerns about local control, conservation easements, and hunting impacts. The committee voted 11-5 ought to pass; the chair noted it would not go on consent and would have a fiscal note. On HB 174, increasing the maximum weight of a utility terrain vehicle to 3,500 pounds unladen dry weight, supporters argued the change could help accommodate electric vehicles and heavier equipment, while opponents raised concerns about undefined terms, enforcement, private landowner rights, and unintended consequences. The committee voted 8-7 ought to pass. On HB 203, requiring C-COT approved personal flotation devices while on New Hampshire state waters, the committee heard a split between members who emphasized personal responsibility and those who said the bill would improve safety and education and could reduce drowning deaths. The motion to ITL failed 11-5, meaning the committee rejected the motion to kill the bill and advanced it instead. The transcript then moved on to HB 332, allowing for the establishment of a village district, but the discussion of that bill was not included in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we enter executive session, I'm going to take care of a few housekeeping items.
• One last housekeeping item, mainly for the committee, it's my understanding, and we're trying to figure
• One last housekeeping item, mainly for the committee, it's my understanding, and we're trying to, like
• Housekeeping item before we reenter executive session here this evening.

Summary: The House Legislative Rules Committee met in executive session and first took up four measures. It voted do pass on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1553, concerning incentives for production of certain critical materials, by 10-0; Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1002, relating to elections submitted to voters by a school board, by 8-2; Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1135, dealing with child maintenance orders for certain persons, by 10-0; and House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1572, addressing public employee retirement system fixes, by 10-0. The chair also explained that the committee was working through procedural questions about when it may hold public hearings on bills referred directly to the committee, especially Senate bills referred to the House Rules Committee. After recess, the committee reconvened and focused on Senate Bill 999, described as the “born-alive” bill. The chair said this would be the only item acted on that evening and that the previously posted morning hearing would be canceled. He announced a public hearing would be held the next evening on Senate Bill 999 and a committee substitute that had been distributed in advance, with the intent to vote on the House Committee Substitute after the hearing. He also noted an amendment would be offered to House Bill 2243, sponsored by Representative Wolfen, to address an unintended effect on the telecommunications sector, and said the amendment would be distributed the next morning. The committee then returned to executive session and voted do pass on Senate Bill 999 by 8-2. The meeting adjourned after that vote, with the chair indicating the committee would meet again the following evening.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we enter executive session, I'm going to take care of a few housekeeping items.
• One last housekeeping item, mainly for the committee, it's my understanding, and we're trying to figure
• One last housekeeping item, mainly for the committee, it's my understanding, and we're trying to, like
• Housekeeping item before we reenter executive session here this evening.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Peter Godalwaski with the Association of Washington Business and Brandon Housekeeper with the Alliance
• Housekeeper said they recognize wildfire risk is real and growing and appreciate the intent behind the
• Housekeeper said that if fund balances decline or wildfire claims increase, customers remain exposed
• Housekeeper said the surcharge structure relies heavily on the number of high-risk customers and requires
• Housekeeper said that without stronger guardrails, ratepayers may see rising bills without assurances

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2275, which would create a Wildfire Prevention and Protection Fund and a new council to oversee utility wildfire mitigation, claims payments, and related administration. Staff explained that investor-owned utilities would be required to participate, consumer-owned utilities could opt in, and utilities would pay annual contributions and maintain approved wildfire mitigation plans to qualify for claims coverage. The prime sponsor, Rep. Christine Reeves, said the bill was intended to address wildfire liability, support prevention, and create a more comprehensive statewide approach to wildfire risk. Members asked about retroactivity to July 1, 2021, utility contribution limits, and whether the bill would lower rates or improve mitigation funding. Public testimony was split. Supporters included the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Department of Natural Resources, wildfire survivors, and several wildfire and insurance advocates, who emphasized the need for compensation, stable funding, prevention, and better resilience planning. Opponents included several utilities, utility associations, business groups, and public utility district representatives, who argued the bill would shift uncapped costs to ratepayers, lacked clear liability reform and solvency protections, and could be vulnerable to future fund sweeps. Some witnesses cited California’s wildfire fund as a model, while others said Washington needed a broader, more holistic solution focused on prevention and liability reform. No vote was taken on HB 2275; the public hearing was closed after testimony. The committee then moved to executive session on House Bill 2238, which directs the Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide food security strategy and adds food security coordination and food system performance monitoring to the department’s duties. Four amendments were adopted: L-061, requiring consideration of regulatory cost metrics and periodic competitiveness reporting; L-062, directing the strategy to recommend legislative actions to make food more affordable and reduce food assistance need; L-060, adding people with lived experience of food insecurity and BIPOC small farmers to consultation requirements and focusing on root causes of hunger; and L-063, adding fuel and labor cost tracking to agricultural viability metrics. Amendment L-064, which would have required a consultant study on proposed agricultural labor legislation, failed on a 5-6 roll call vote. The committee then adopted the amended substitute and reported Substitute House Bill 2238 out of committee with a due pass recommendation by an 11-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• services that are rendered out. those that are housekeeping services that are rendered out.
• I go educate other hospitals because nobody pays any attention to housekeeping.
• I go educate other hospitals because nobody pays any attention to housekeeping.
• We have gotten quite a few referrals to see these patients from housekeeping, from the person that's
• I go educate other hospitals, because nobody pays any attention to housekeeping.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The first meeting of the Human Trafficking and Emergency Department Task Force focused on implementing Act 267 of 2025, which created the body to develop a statewide human trafficking protocol to be incorporated into regional sexual assault response plans. Chair Rep. Kelly Hennessy Dickerson and Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Director Mary Kate Andrepont outlined the task force’s goal of producing a practical, transferable protocol for hospitals and emergency departments across Louisiana, with help from Heal Trafficking. Members and presenters repeatedly emphasized that the protocol should be trauma-informed, survivor-centered, multidisciplinary, and adaptable to different regions and health systems. Hospital, SANE, and advocacy presenters described current practices and gaps. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport’s Operation Rahab and FMOLHS’s policies highlighted staff education, badge buddies, private screening, reporting pathways, and coordination with the National Human Trafficking Hotline, law enforcement, DCFS, and local advocates. SANE nurses and forensic staff stressed that most trafficking victims pass through emergency departments and that subtle behavioral indicators, rapport-building, and broad staff education are critical. LaFASA described statewide sexual assault advocacy services, emphasizing 24-hour crisis response, legal support, and the role of advocates in helping survivors understand options and regain control. Child and youth trafficking specialists from DCFS-contracted programs, including Unbound Now and BCFS/Common Thread, explained Louisiana’s Act 662 response for minors, which routes reports into coordinated advocacy and care coordination. They said their teams respond statewide within 90 minutes, provide crisis support, and work with CACs, hospitals, and law enforcement. Members raised concerns about major service gaps, especially for adults, transportation, safe housing, and specialized placements for survivors with disabilities. Presenters also noted that male survivor housing remains limited, though Eden Centers now offers some beds. The task force also reviewed a needs assessment showing many hospitals lack mandatory trafficking training, screening practices, written protocols, and confidence in identifying victims. Members discussed expanding education beyond ED staff to residents, nursing schools, student health, mental health, housekeeping, maintenance, and law enforcement. No formal votes were taken, but the chair said the survey results and testimony would be used to draft a protocol before the next meeting, with a final draft to follow after further review and feedback.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that is pretty much purely housekeeping, but Mr. Chairman, that's what this bill does.
• So that is pretty much purely housekeeping, but Mr. Chairman, that's what this bill does.
• So that is pretty much purely housekeeping, but Mr. Chairman, that's what this bill does.
• So that is pretty much purely housekeeping, but Mr. Chairman, that's what this bill does.
• So that is pretty much purely housekeeping, but Mr. Chairman, that's what this bill does.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on SB 63, a bill described by Senator Tim Lang and other supporters as a technical correction to the rooms and meals tax distribution formula. Lang said the bill would clarify that the Division of Travel and Tourism’s 3.15% promotional allocation is taken from gross rooms-and-meals revenue before the 30% municipal reimbursement fund is calculated, which he argued restores the intended 2009/2021 structure and avoids an unintended loss to tourism marketing. Committee members raised questions about whether the bill actually changes section one or instead addresses DRA’s interpretation, and whether the measure could be affected by the budget process or HB 2. Jessica Keeler of Ski New Hampshire testified in strong support, saying the bill would preserve the promotional budget formula that had been in place since 2009 and that the 2019 revision effectively reduced the promotional allocation by placing the municipal share first. She said tourism promotion has helped increase visitation, revenues, and jobs, and warned that without a fix, the joint promotional program and other tourism efforts could be cut in future budgets. She also said the bill would not change the current year’s tourism budget but would matter for future cycles. Mike Summers of the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association also supported SB 63, calling it a correction to the 2021 changes and arguing that state tourism marketing is essential because small businesses cannot reach distant markets on their own. He said the industry has benefited from state promotion, especially after COVID, but is now facing softer occupancy rates, lower Canadian visitation, and financial strain from debt and operating costs. Summers said the industry cannot make up for major tourism budget cuts on its own and urged maintaining or increasing travel and tourism funding. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a few housekeeping things that we need to cover, openings and discussion about remaining on the
• If there's nothing else in this section, happy to pass it off to Senator Miranda for the housekeeping
• So we're getting into the meat and potatoes of the agenda, where we have some housekeeping things that
• Since it is now 5 o'clock, I am going to go into the two next pieces on the housekeeping agenda.
• Since it is now 5 o'clock, I am going to go into the two next pieces on the housekeeping agenda.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Ellen Story Commission for Postpartum Depression held its spring meeting with a large turnout, beginning with roll call and a review of the agenda. Co-chairs Representative Brandy Fluker-Reid and Senator Liz Miranda highlighted progress from the recently enacted maternal health omnibus law and the Moms Matter Act, including creation of a midwifery board, expansion of out-of-hospital birth options, doula services, lactation support, MassHealth coverage changes, and a trust fund for community-based behavioral health and substance use grants. Members also discussed implementation of the new law, the commission’s annual report, and the need to continue supporting birth centers and perinatal mental health services. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on commission membership and vacancies. Commissioners discussed whether to remain on the body, the need to fill several open seats, and whether the commission’s statutory composition should be updated to better reflect current practice and expertise. Members suggested adding more clinicians working directly with perinatal families, infant mental health experts, and a representative from PSI of Massachusetts, while also noting the value of having regulators and professional society representatives at the table. Several participants said any changes to membership would likely require legislation, and the co-chairs said they would explore options and possibly circulate a flyer or other invitation process for nominations. The commission also discussed meeting structure and future planning. Members generally supported moving to quarterly virtual meetings, with a preference for a 4 p.m. start time, and some suggested one annual in-person gathering. The group agreed to postpone the usual May Advocacy Day because the Great Hall was unavailable and instead aim for a fall event, with volunteers stepping forward to help plan it. Commissioners raised top-of-mind issues including postpartum depression screening reimbursement, care for people after miscarriage or abortion, access for undocumented pregnant people, and the impact of federal cuts. The meeting ended with agreement to crowdsource legislative priorities for the next quarter, consider future presentations from outside organizations, and send updates between meetings, followed by a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a housekeeping action on our part.
• Again, this is just sort of a housekeeping. We're not trying to make any substantive changes there.
• Again, this is just sort of a housekeeping. We're not trying to make any substantive changes there.
• The grievance article, Article 6, again, is a housekeeping measure of taking out the reference to the
• We agree that our members can be required to perform minor repairs to facilities, housekeeping duties

Summary: The Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining met for an informational public hearing on several state employee bargaining units at impasse. The Department of Management Services outlined negotiations for the FDLE special agents, security services/correctional officers, sworn law enforcement officers, Florida Highway Patrol troopers, and Florida State Fire Service units. Across the units, the state said most contract articles had been resolved, with remaining disputes centered mainly on wages, hours of work, grievance language, safety, grooming, travel, and other housekeeping items. The state repeatedly emphasized proposed 2% competitive pay increases plus specialty or special pay increases in some units, insurance held harmless with no added employee cost, and its desire to keep current scheduling practices and remove outdated grievance language referencing the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. No votes were taken. Representatives for the Florida State Fire Service Association argued that firefighters are being asked to perform work far outside their job descriptions, including major construction, and said the state’s work-schedule and on-call practices unfairly avoid overtime and underpay firefighters. They also sought higher on-call compensation, a stronger wage plan with incentives and certification-based increases, restoration of a pay differential for firefighter-EMTs, and added PPE, decontamination, and cancer-prevention protections. The PBA’s Florida Highway Patrol unit said troopers need a larger career development plan, veteran stipends, updated grooming/tattoo rules, safer and newer vehicles, and better pay to address turnover. The PBA’s law enforcement unit focused on vehicle safety, performance evaluation language to prevent case-presentation quotas, and a $7,000 across-the-board raise, while disputing whether certain articles were timely opened. The security services unit said correctional officers, probation officers, and ISS officers need an $8-per-hour starting pay increase, retention bonuses, special pay for death row and close-management assignments, and overtime pay for lieutenants and captains who currently receive comp time and sometimes work beyond their limits. The committee heard the presentations, asked a brief question about correctional officers’ overtime, accepted written materials from the FOP special agent unit, and adjourned without action.