Evergreen Reporter

The recent House of Origin deadline, which occurred on March 12, resulted in the termination of numerous bills that the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) had been monitoring this session. The organization is now tracking fewer than 30 bills, with ten having been amended or deemed neutral.

During the week leading up to the deadline, both legislative chambers continued their floor sessions. The House worked extensively on Saturday, March 8, but a planned Sunday session was changed to a pro forma meeting. This type of session involves only a few leadership members handling routine procedural matters briefly. In contrast to the House's lengthy debates behind closed doors and late-night votes on contentious issues like gun control and parental rights, the Senate managed its work within normal business hours more amicably.

A few committee meetings took place on Thursday and Friday last week, with committee action set to resume earnestly on Monday.

Looking ahead to next week, several priority bills are scheduled for hearings:

- On Monday, March 17: The Senate Labor & Commerce Committee will discuss HB 1788 concerning workers' compensation benefit increases. NFIB encourages signing in opposition ("CON").

- On Tuesday, March 18: The House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee will address SB 5041 about unemployment benefits for striking workers and SB 5463 regarding workers' comp self-insured employers and TPA mandates. NFIB advises signing in opposition ("CON") for both.

- On Wednesday, March 19: The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee will review HB 1409 related to a "clean fuels" mandate. NFIB recommends signing in opposition ("CON").

- On Thursday, March 20: The Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee will examine HB 1382 concerning an All Payer Claims Database federal rule update. NFIB suggests signing in support ("PRO").

In past weekly reports by NFIB:

- On March 8: A bill granting unemployment insurance benefits to striking workers passed the Senate.

- February reports included attempts by lawmakers to circumvent federal law on unemployment benefits and efforts against minimum wage bills.

- In January reports: Entrepreneurs were encouraged to testify on upcoming legislation by signing in.