Bills: SB5437, SB6152, SB6058, SB5944, SB6039, SB6117

Keywords: noncompete, noncompetition agreement, restrictive covenant, nonsolicitation, employment contract, worker mobility, labor law, wage suppression, trade secrets, confidentiality agreement, franchise, independent contractor, employee mobility, economic growth, entrepreneurship, job mobility, restraint of trade, customer solicitation, post-employment restrictions, FTC noncompete rule

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several labor and commerce bills. SB 6152 would add physical and occupational therapists as attending providers in workers’ compensation. Supporters said it would speed care, reduce delays and costs, and better reflect PT/OT expertise in musculoskeletal and functional recovery; opponents, including the Washington Retail Association, WSMA, NFIB, and L&I, raised concerns about diagnosis, scope of practice, network enrollment, implementation costs, and the need for a later effective date. The committee also heard SB 5337, which would void non-compete agreements and clarify non-solicitation rules. The sponsor and labor and physician groups argued non-competes restrict worker mobility and entrepreneurship, while business groups and some health care employers warned the bill was too broad, could affect current employees and executives, and should preserve stronger protections for business investments and customer relationships. No votes were taken on either bill during the hearing. The committee then heard SB 6058, which would give L&I discretion to decide whether to investigate wage complaints and would adjust timelines and tolling rules for wage-related civil actions. The sponsor and L&I described it as a way to improve enforcement within existing resources, and the bill drew broad support in sign-in testimony. SB 5944 would clarify that compensation for language access providers includes payment for missed or canceled appointments and would align bargaining rules across agencies; the sponsor and union representatives said it would create consistency and fairness, with no opposition testimony recorded. SB 6039 would allow L&I to use electronic communications for certain notices while preserving a non-electronic option; L&I said it was a permissive modernization measure with no fiscal impact, while labor and justice advocates warned against defaulting vulnerable workers into email for notices affecting benefits and rights. The final major bill, SB 6117, would place certain workers and employers not covered by federal labor law under PERC jurisdiction if federal coverage no longer applies, including provisions for certification, bargaining, arbitration, and pre-hire agreements. Supporters said it would preserve collective bargaining rights if the NLRB becomes unavailable or ineffective, citing delays and enforcement failures under federal law. Opponents, especially agricultural employers, farm groups, and small business advocates, argued it was too broad, could sweep in agriculture and small businesses, and would allow card-check certification and strikes that could disrupt harvests and other seasonal operations. The sponsor said the bill is intended to create a state framework only where federal jurisdiction has been ceded. The committee did not take final action in the hearing, but testimony was recorded on all bills.

Bills: SB6197, SB6158, SB6302, SB5437, SB6117, SB5852, SB5847, SB6067, SB6152, SB6136

Keywords: SB 6197, plumbing contractor, plumber, contractor licensing, licensing enforcement, infractions, administrative penalties, license suspension, certificate suspension, endorsement suspension, registration suspension, Department of Labor and Industries, advisory board of plumbers, penalty schedule, repeat violations, workplace standards, construction trades, professional licensing, Washington state, factory built housing

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee heard public testimony and took executive action on several labor, employment, workers’ compensation, and construction-related bills. Early in the meeting, the committee heard Senate Bill 6158 on factory-built housing and commercial structures, which would direct L&I to consider additional national consensus standards and allow approved qualified inspection agencies to conduct inspections. The sponsor said the bill is intended to make modular housing inspections more efficient and cost-effective, especially for units built outside Washington. L&I testified in support with a requested effective date of January 1, 2027 and noted an agreed amendment with utilities. The committee later returned to the bill after executive session, but no final action was taken in the portion provided before the transcript shifted to other business. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6197 on plumbing contractor requirements, which would separate repeat-violation penalties for residential and nonresidential plumbing work and allow suspension after five infractions in five years for nonresidential work. Supporters, including mechanical contractors, union plumbers, and a commercial plumber, said repeat violators treat fines as a cost of doing business and that stronger enforcement is needed to protect safety and fair competition. Opponents, including contractor associations and several plumbing contractors, argued the bill is too punitive, does not adequately distinguish between construction and service plumbing, and could harm legitimate businesses; L&I said it needed an effective date of January 1, 2027 if the bill passed. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6302 on misclassification in the finishing trades on public works projects, which would limit the use of independent contractors on covered finishing work. Labor groups supported it as a response to worker misclassification and lost wages and benefits, while contractor groups opposed it as a de facto ban on independent contractors that would raise costs and reduce flexibility, especially for small and rural businesses. In executive session, the committee adopted a proposed substitute for Senate Bill 5437 on noncompetition covenants and advanced it to Rules, with some Republican opposition. It also advanced Senate Bill 6117 on PERC jurisdiction over labor relations if federal coverage changes, after rejecting an amendment that would have narrowed the bill further. Senate Bill 5852 on immigrant worker protections advanced after the committee rejected an amendment to remove the private right of action. Senate Bill 5847 on workers’ compensation medical care and treatment also advanced after the committee rejected amendments to remove penalty provisions and to add claims manager positions, then adopted the latter amendment and sent the bill to Ways and Means. Senate Bill 6067 on workers’ compensation health care benefits advanced to Ways and Means, while Senate Bills 6152 and 6136 advanced to Rules. The committee then returned to public hearing and heard testimony on SB 6302, with the sponsor saying the bill is meant to address misclassification in a narrow set of finishing trades and that he is open to further discussion and amendments.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill narrowly applies to cover noncompete agreements uncover garden leave agreements.
• So you started off with explaining the noncompete agreements versus the Garden Leave Agreement, vote
• employ of the employer, they are restricted from certain activities under the noncompete agreement,
• We know that nearly one in 5 workers in the United States are bound by a noncompete agreements.
• Other states rolling back noncompete agreements and other states and employees want to live in those

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from existing offer a narrow set of employees, 2 types of commonly used employment agreements, noncompete
• and provides greater certainty and transparency for all concerned narrowly applies to to cover noncompete
• The amendment specifically applies to not cover noncompete agreements cover guard leave agreements ensures
• So I practice in this area of law and it is my understanding that courts recognize noncompete agreements
• . >> Certainly not just a general noncompete deals are trade secrets and other confidential information

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• laws and trade secret laws of noncompete laws and trade secret laws are<00:37:08.280><c> tight</c><00
• Representative Frasier then said that, on the record, lawyers do not have noncompete clauses that can
• That is why, in certain circumstances, a noncompete agreement is a helpful tool. wanted to raise in regard
• </c><00:46:20.040><c> clause</c><00:46:20.359><c> enforceable</c><00:46:20.839><c> in</c> be a noncompete
• clause enforceable in be a noncompete clause enforceable in that<00:46:21.440><c> situation</c><00:46

Bills: HF1355, HF1469, HF1768

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF1469, Minnesota, workforce development, job training, job skills training, reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, ex-offenders, inmates, recently released inmates, felony conviction, felony-level offense, corrections, prison release

Transcript Highlights:

• NONCOMPETE IMPOSING LIMITS ON EMPLOYEES POSTEMPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES AND AT GARDEN WHICH IMPOSES THIS ON
• LEGISLATION CHANGES CERTAIN THINGS BY ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR THE USE OF LABOR AGREEMENTS AND NONCOMPETE
• AGREEMENTS AND DEFINES A NONCOMPETE AGREEMENTS AND ENSURES THE EMPLOYEE ARE PROTECTED BY MANDATING THAT
• CHALLENGED BY THEMSELVES WHETHER THE INJUNCTION SHOULD BE IN PLACE. >> Chair: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> THE NONCOMPETE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1219 establishes a framework for how noncompete and garden leave are structured and enforced.
• The bill applies to cover noncompete agreements and covered garden leave agreements.
• I appreciate that, but in general, as it comes to Expanding noncompete, I have concerns.
• down to those in the hedge fund, I do think, in general, as a body we should evaluate and examine noncompete

Bills: SB 5, SJR 3, HB 11, HJR 72, HB 48, HB 27, HB 144, HB 37, HB 1481, HB 581, HB 1696, HB 2216, HB 1035, HB 1633, HB 742, HB 754, HB 1689, HB 1690, HB 2669, HB 391, HB 517, HB 1775, HB 1024, HB 1607, HB 252, HB 1716, HB 1562, HB 4116, HB 1866, HB 1741, HB 2103, HB 2637, HB 2884, HB 3707, HB 503, HB 1089, HB 1757, HB 2986, HB 972, SB 365, SB 1786, SB 5, SJR 3, HB 14, HB 43, HB 36, HB 26, HB 149, HB 121, HB 206, HB 136, HB 3114, HB 2733, HB 1732, HB 3700, HB 467, HB 1130, HB 1846, HB 1442, HB 1147, HB 2176, HB 2701, HB 805, HB 2890, HB 1154, HB 1644, HB 2118, HB 1718, HB 2488, HB 2596, HB 2468, HB 484, HB 2578, HB 3204, HB 1041, HB 307, HB 685, HB 538, HB 2525, HB 3125, HB 2027, HB 2894, HB 3077, HB 106, HB 18, HB 11, HJR 72, HB 48, HB 27, HB 144, HB 37, HB 1481, HB 581, HB 1696, HB 2216, HB 1035, HB 1633, HB 742, HB 754, HB 1689, HB 1690, HB 2669, HB 391, HB 517, HB 1775, HB 1024, HB 1607, HB 252, HB 1716, HB 1562, HB 4116, HB 1866, HB 1741, HB 2103, HB 2637, HB 2884, HB 3707, HB 503, HB 1089, HB 1757, HB 2986, HB 972

Keywords: dementia, research institute, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, funding, grants, state health initiatives, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, tax exemption, intellectual disability

Transcript Highlights:

• concerns about coming out of residency, particularly as there low income earners is having to sign a noncompete

Keywords: 999, senate, all

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:

• with the other restrictive covenants, employment covenants, non-competes, no poaches, and shadow noncompetes
• 35.599><c> shadow</c> non-competses, no poaches and shadow non-competses, no poaches and shadow noncompetes
• 36.720><c> have</c><00:03:36.799><c> dealt</c><00:03:37.040><c> with</c><00:03:37.440><c> and</c> noncompetes
• which we have dealt with and noncompetes which we have dealt with and uh<00:03:38.080><c> makes</c><

Bills: HF3889, HF2567, HF3878

Keywords: workforce development, grant program, employment, economic development, funding, employment contract, labor policy, employee rights, unconscionable provisions, public policy, legal enforcement, airport workers, wage standards, labor rights, minimum wage, economic equity, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It brings it in line with the other restrictive covenants, employment covenants, noncompetes, no poaches
• , and shadow noncompetes, which we have dealt with, and makes it so that they have the same enforcement

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS LEGISLATION AFFIRMS TWO TYPES OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS: SUPPORT INSTITUTE IN A NONCOMPETE AGREEMENTS
• THE CHANGES MADE IN THIS LEGISLATION ESTABLISH A FRAMEWORK FOR USE AGREEMENTS AND NONCOMPETE AGREEMENTS

Bills: SCR4, SCR18, SCR43, SB227, SB269, SB330, SB434, SB437, SB438, SB463, SB528, SB584, SB604, SB663, SB668, SB682, SB747, SB841, SB912, SB968, SB1013, SB1020, SB1044, SB1137, SB1138, SB1143, SB1164, SB1169, SB1200, SB1236, SB1244, SB1299, SB1325, SB1335, SB1369, SB1410, SB1418, SB1422, SB1455, SB1468, SB1495, SB1534, SB1579, SB1580, SB1612, SB1624, SB1667, SB1734, SB1745, SB1746, SB1760, SB1784, SB1860, SB1862, SB1864, SB1896, SB1898, SB1920, SB1940, SB1952, SB1998, SB1999, SB2004, SB2032, SB2052, SB2068, SB2073, SB2121, SB2127, SB2141, SB2145, SB2161, SB2167, SB2196, SB2207, SB2216, SB2246, SB2323, SB2332, SB2395, SB2429, SB2431, SB2439, SB2443, SB2581, SB2601, SB2629, SB2702, SB2705, SB2717, SB2798, SB2873, SB2881, SB2964, SB3034, SCR4, SCR38, SB39, SB227, SB240, SB330, SB401, SB407, SB467, SB506, SB512, SB527, SB584, SB618, SB619, SB636, SB648, SB663, SB715, SB732, SB758, SB801, SB843, SB847, SB870, SB957, SB1013, SB1020, SB1065, SB1152, SB1164, SB1181, SB1183, SB1257, SB1283, SB1299, SB1325, SB1349, SB1395, SB1433, SB1455, SB1490, SB1558, SB1574, SB1624, SB1626, SB1640, SB1717, SB1718, SB1727, SB1734, SB1756, SB1757, SB1789, SB1832, SB1845, SB1868, SB1920, SB1924, SB1964, SB2004, SB2018, SB2031, SB2037, SB2052, SB2073, SB2075, SB2080, SB2111, SB2117, SB2154, SB2161, SB2196, SB2206, SB2253, SB2268, SB2322, SB2323, SB2349, SB2533, SB2540, SB2570, SB2623, SB2626, SB2658, SB2660, SB2692, SB2705, SB2717, SB2722, SB2742, SB2743, SB2753, SB2788, SB2877, SB2900, SB2920, SB3031, SB5, SB260, SB1786, SB1, HJR4, HB135, HB 1109, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR84, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR38, SCR4, SCR18, SCR43, SCR46, SCR48, SCR19, SB2023, SB1257, SB240, SB1727, SB870, SB618, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB1502, SB507, SB1026, SB1349, SB1433, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB619, SB1122, SB732, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB529, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1860, SB2037, SB1924, SB2253, SB2018, SB2206, SB1299, SB841, SB668, SB584, SB1085, SB2431, SB1490, SB1868, SB2314, SB434, SB2046, SB1667, SB2127, SB1975, SB1760, SB1734, SB1335, SB2246, SB2439, SB1624, SB1244, SB1468, SB2717, SB1612, SB1262, SB604, SB2395, SB1832, SB1745, SB1746, SB2207, SB1784, SB1524, SB528, SB437, SB269, SB1137, SB968, SB636, SB747, SB1325, SB1455, SB2056, SB1940, SB2052, SB1579, SB2068, SB3034, SB1920, SB1558, SB1236, SB1044, SB884, SB463, SB227, SB517, SB1200, SB1410, SB1626, SB1845, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB1717, SB2141, SB2323, SB2200, SB2332, SB2199, SB1757, SB2050, SB1138, SB2458, SB1864, SB2201, SB1862, SB1055, SB2660, SB1898, SB2662, SB2161, SB2964, SB2881, SB1065, SB801, SB2743, SB2533, SB2073, SB3014, SB3013, SB2702, SB2629, SB2443, SB2349, SB2167, SB2145, SB2121, SB758, SB648, SB647, SB512, SB438, SB1721, SB2268, SB1495, SB2705, SB2366, SB1422, SB1369, SB1013, SB682, SB2692, SB2570, SB2797, SB2111, SB1896, SB1164, SB1020, SB663, SB2371, SB1152, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2798, SB330, SB646, SB843, SB1998, SB1418, SB2788, SB1169, SB2873, SB1754, SB1534, SB1718, SB2779, SB2004, SB1143, SB1756, SB912, SB2119, SB2032, SB527, SB1580, SB1952, SB2601, SB2322, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB407, SB2392, SB2076, SB2786, SB3031, SB2877, SB2876, SB2284, SB2225, SB1540, SB2920, SB2929, SB1395, SB1972, SB2540, SB1183, SB2742, SB2595, SB2217, SB2117, SB715, SB2330, SB1964, SB1383, SB500, SB1640, SB39, SB2001, SB2080, SB2722, SB506, SB2514, SB2623, SB2658, SB1574, SB2900, SB2753, SB2398, SB401, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB467, SB1449, SB2529, SB1531, SB2846, SB2476, SB2031, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, SB31, SB2880, SB1359, SB2386, SB771, SB2844, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB2351, SB410, SB659, SB816, SB2776, SB2693, SB2580, SB1980, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB482, SB456, SB127, SB1666, SB2843, SB2801, SB800, SB2055, SB784, SB2986, SB735, SB1012, SB324, SB2926, SB2938, SB2007, SB2138, SB1242, SB843, SB1152, SB1164, SB1299, SB1349, SB1868, SB2037, SB2349, SB2788, SB39, SB1183, SB1717, SB1832, SB2743, SR429, SR432, SCR38, SB39, SB240, SB618, SB870, SB1183, SB1257, SB1717, SB1727, SB1832, SB2743, SB2, SB3058, SB3059, HB6, HB14, HB43, HB 100, HB136, HB149, HB204, HB206, HB307, HB467, HB685, HB 1130, HB1393, HB1644, HB2027, HB2118, HB2176, HB2468, HB2488, HB2525, HB2596, HB2890, HB2894, HB3077, HB3114, HB3204, SCR4, SCR18, SCR43, SB269, SB330, SB434, SB437, SB438, SB463, SB528, SB604, SB663, SB668, SB682, SB747, SB841, SB912, SB968, SB1020, SB1044, SB1138, SB1143, SB1236, SB1244, SB1325, SB1335, SB1369, SB1418, SB1422, SB1455, SB1468, SB1495, SB1534, SB1579, SB1580, SB1612, SB1624, SB1667, SB1734, SB1745, SB1746, SB1760, SB1784, SB1860, SB1862, SB1864, SB1896, SB1898, SB1920, SB1940, SB1952, SB1998, SB2032, SB2052, SB2068, SB2073, SB2121, SB2127, SB2141, SB2145, SB2161, SB2167, SB2196, SB2207, SB2216, SB2246, SB2323, SB2332, SB2395, SB2431, SB2439, SB2443, SB2581, SB2601, SB2629, SB2702, SB2705, SB2798, SB2873, SB2881, SB2964, SB3034, SB227, SB584, SB1013, SB1137, SB1169, SB1200, SB1299, SB1410, SB1999, SB2004, SB2429, SB2717, SB3058, SB3059, HB6, HB14, HB43, HB 100, HB136, HB149, HB204, HB206, HB307, HB467, HB685, HB 1130, HB1393, HB1644, HB2027, HB2118, HB2176, HB2468, HB2488, HB2525, HB2596, HB2890, HB2894, HB3077, HB3114, HB3204

Keywords: Pflugerville, Trail Capital, health and wellness, outdoor recreation, community connectivity, patriotism, town designation, community engagement, Trophy Club, Texas Town of Patriotism, Port Aransas, Mustang Island, Fishing Capital of Texas, Texas fishing, coastal tourism, charter fishing, deep-sea fishing, bay fishing, pier fishing, angling

Transcript Highlights:

• accomplish protections or to address concerns that can encourage competition, such as limiting noncompete

Keywords: 959, house, all

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1604, HB1798, HB1002, HB1065, HB1155, HB1269, HB1916, HB2120, HB2123, HB2158, HB2178, HB2264, HB2309, HB2411, HJM4004

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, a National Anthem performance, and a prayer offered by Washington Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Cole. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 4675, honoring the Washington National Guard for its service in emergencies, search and rescue, disaster response, and military readiness. Members spoke in support, highlighting the Guard’s history, its role in recent flood and landslide responses, and the sacrifices of service members and their families. The resolution passed by voice vote, and Guard leadership and members present in the galleries were recognized. The House also recognized Congressman Dan Newhouse in a point of personal privilege, with remarks praising his service in state and federal office and his ties to agriculture. The chamber then moved to the Fourth Order of Business and debated a motion to suspend House rules to send two initiatives to the Education Committee for prompt public hearings. Supporters argued the Constitution requires precedence for initiatives and that the House should hear them promptly; opponents argued the Constitution allows the Legislature to take no action and that the motion was unnecessary. The motion to suspend the rules failed on a recorded vote, 38 yeas and 57 nays, with three excused. Next, members debated the routine motion to refer the bills, memorials, measures, and resolutions on the introduction sheet to committee. Some members again argued the two initiatives should be given priority and public hearings before other business, while others supported normal referral of the day’s measures. The motion passed on a recorded vote, 57 yeas and 38 nays, with three excused. Committee reports were then accepted and referred as designated, and the House adjourned until Thursday, January 29 at 10:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're protected by noncompetes. Florida Statute 542.335. You're going to trap a worker?

Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee heard and voted on four bills. HB 587 on self-storage spaces would let rental agreements include an alternate contact person and allow default notices to be published online instead of only in newspapers, while keeping existing notice timelines and servicemember protections. Newspaper and press witnesses opposed the online-notice change, arguing it could reduce public reach and transparency, especially in rural areas; the sponsor said newspapers could still be used and the bill was only adding another option. The committee adopted an amendment changing the effective date to October 1, 2025, and then reported the bill favorably 12-2. HB 6033 would repeal the Florida Labor Pool Act. The sponsor argued the act duplicates other state and federal protections, while opponents said it contains unique safeguards for day laborers, including limits on fees, transportation charges, and deductions, and a private right of action. Testimony from labor advocates and workers warned repeal would reduce protections for vulnerable workers; the sponsor and supporters said other laws already cover the issues. The committee reported the bill favorably 11-3. HB 897, dealing with timeshare plan management, was presented as a clarification of conflicts created by recent condominium legislation and would require faster records responses, more disclosure of contracts, and clearer remedies for mismanagement. Support came from industry groups, and the bill passed unanimously, 14-0. The final measure, PCS for HB 1385, created a civil remedy for parental abduction or unlawful withholding of a child in violation of a timesharing order. Family law attorneys opposed it over concerns about added litigation, child involvement, and overlap with existing remedies, while the sponsors and supporters said it would provide needed deterrence and compensation in serious cases. The committee adopted the PCS and reported it favorably 13-0.

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1604, HB1798, HB1002, HB1065, HB1155, HB1269, HB1916, HB2120, HB2123, HB2158, HB2178, HB2264, HB2309, HB2411, HJM4004

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, the flags were presented by the Washington National Guard Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem were observed, and a prayer was offered by a Washington Army National Guard chaplain. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 4675, honoring the Washington National Guard for its service in disaster response, search and rescue, military readiness, and community support. Representatives Donaghy and Lee spoke in support, emphasizing the Guard’s role in floods, landslides, and other emergencies, and the resolution passed by voice vote. The Speaker also recognized visiting Guard members and guests from the Nespelem tribe, and a member used personal privilege to honor Congressman Dan Newhouse and his public service. The main legislative dispute centered on how to handle two certified initiatives, IL-26-638 and IL-26-001. Representative Couture moved to suspend House rules and refer the initiatives to the Education Committee for prompt public hearings, arguing the Constitution requires precedence for initiatives. Representative Fitzgibbon opposed, citing Amendment 7 and the legislature’s option to take no action. After debate from several members on both sides about constitutional duty, precedence, and the meaning of “no action,” the motion failed on a recorded vote, 38 yeas and 57 nays, with three excused. The House then considered the regular motion to send the bills, memorials, resolutions, and initiatives on the introduction sheet to their designated committees. Supporters said this was the normal referral process; opponents argued the two initiatives should be given priority and held at the desk. After further debate, the motion passed on a recorded vote, 57 yeas and 38 nays, with three excused. Committee reports were then accepted by consent, and the House adjourned until 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 29.

Bills: AB568, SB90, SB133, SB147, SB229, SB233, SB240, SB245, SB280, SB378, SB393, SB417, SB434, SB494, SB495

Keywords: higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency

Bills: AB568, SB90, SB133, SB147, SB229, SB233, SB240, SB245, SB280, SB378, SB393, SB417, SB434, SB494, SB495, AB62, SB104, SB119, SB132, SB193, SB262, SB422, SB431, SB435, SB468, SB503

Keywords: higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency

Transcript Highlights:

• And the reason that big employers want noncompetes is because they, um, it's a really helpful tool to

Bills: HF3228, HF2441

Keywords: workers' compensation, insurance programs, employee protection, Minnesota statutes, safety regulations, prevailing wage, certified payroll, payroll reporting, construction contracts, public works, project registration, labor standards, contractor compliance, subcontractor reporting, state government, Department of Administration, Commissioner of Labor and Industry, Metropolitan Council, highway construction, public construction