Evergreen Reporter

Friday, February 21 marked a key deadline in the 2025 legislative session, with policy committees required to advance bills to either fiscal committees or the chamber’s Rules Committee. Fiscal committees have until February 28 to review policy bills impacting the operating, transportation, or capital budgets.

Amid a busy day of last-minute bill considerations, a complete list of advanced bills is not yet available. However, there are notable updates.

The proposed $25 minimum wage increase has stalled. Senate Bill 5578 and House Bill 1764 aimed to raise the state’s minimum wage to $25 an hour by 2031 and mandate additional paid leave but failed to progress from their respective labor committees by the policy deadline. The NFIB released a statement praising members for influencing lawmakers against these bills but warned they could reappear in future sessions.

Both Right to Repair bills received committee approval. HB 1483 cleared the House Rules Committee and awaits a floor vote. A striking amendment with changes supported by Microsoft and ADT will be introduced on the floor. The Senate version, SB 5423, was approved without completed negotiations matching House language but may see similar amendments during floor discussions.

HB 1213 will be discussed on February 22 in House Appropriations. This bill mandates job protection and health insurance coverage for employees on Paid Family & Medical Leave but faces criticism due to projected administrative costs and potential staffing issues for small businesses.