The Bill: HB569
Title: State Death Benefits for Coroners (former HB 422)
What Does it Mean: Personnel Death Benefits Act, further providing for title of act; and adding provisions relating to coroners.
The Go Big Small Biz Network’s Position: We Support
Passed: L&I Committee
The Bill: HB630
Title: Equal Pay
What Does it Mean: This legislation will prohibit employers from paying workers less because of their gender, race, or ethnicity and protect employees from retaliation in any wage discrimination matters. Additionally, the bill will curtail the practice by prospective employers of using salary history in pay-setting decisions for new employment, as this has been shown to negatively affect pay as workers move from job to job.
The Go Big Small Biz Network’s Position: We oppose. More government overreach.
Passed: L&I Committee along party lines.
Quotes:
Rep. Mike Jones (R), “14 Democrats, only 2 have owned a business. 11 who have never owned a business or lead a business or worked for the private sector. You might not be qualified to tell businesses how to operate. It will create more injustices than you think. It protects only the worst performers and rewards mediocrity. Good employees don’t need the states protection. I’m a NO.”
Rep. Gleim(R), “Department of Labor&Industry has not had a single equal pay complaint in 20 years. It is due to the protection of Fair Labor Standard Act. Federal and State law prohibit discrimination. I’m a NO.”
Rep. Young(D), “Equal Pay for Equal Work. We should be willing to support these families starting with the matriarch. I’m a YES.”
Rep. Kinkead(D), “Employees protect themselves and their income and be treated fairly.”
Rep. Rossi(R), “Employers have the right to decide pay, employees can work up to whatever level they strive for. I’m a NO.”
The Bill: HB926
Title: Co-Sponsorship: Health Care Workplace Violence Prevention Act
What Does This Mean: An Act providing for violence prevention committees in health facilities, for duties of committees, for workplace violence reporting requirements and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing fines and administrative penalties.
Passed: L&I Committee along party lines.
Quotes:
Rep. Grove(R), “Is there anything in this Bill that would prevent future tragedies, any guarantees?”
Rep. Dawkins(D), “There are no Bills that are passed that guarantee absolute results.”
Rep. D’Orsie(R), “How would a mandate for a committee deter workplace violence?” I am in opposition of the Bill.”
Rep. Donahue(D), “This is a step in the right direction. I fully support the Bill.”
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