Senate Bill 601, which hampers workers’ rights in the grievance process, was to be taken up Tuesday in the House Judiciary Committee, and could be taken up by the full Senate on Wednesday or Thursday. Either way, it will have time to be passed before the Legislature ends Saturday at midnight.

That bill is a major component of a difficult session for the members of UE Local 170. The most damage we will suffer comes from HB 2009, which completely bans state agencies from collecting and forwarding elective dues deductions for unions and employee organizations.

The governor signed the bill, and that law takes effect June 17. We are already asking new members to join by other means (check, credit/debit card), and we will communicate the details of the transition for our existing members in the coming weeks.

Other bills we are watching:

  • HB 2720, which calls for a merit-based personnel system in the Department of Transportation has passed the House and is in the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
  • SB 7: Will be introduced to House floor Wednesday (1st Reading). Could pass as early as Friday
  • SB 421: Has been passed by both houses, going to governor.
  • House Bill 2011, which eliminates the 1,000-hour limit for part-time employees to be exempt from civil service protections, has been signed into law and is already in effect.
  • Senate Bill 272, which would create more opportunities for businesses to classify workers as independent contractors, has been signed into law and takes effect June 9.
  • SB 11: Declaring work stoppage or strike by public employees to be unlawful. That was passed into law without the governor’s signature and takes effect June 9.
  • HB 2626, which would close Lakin, Withrow, and Hopemont hospitals, died in the House Finance Committee.
  • HB 3191, which requiring state employers to send certain notifications when retirees are hired as temporary, part-time employees. The bill has passed both houses unanimously, and the Senate has sent its amended version back to House.

We ask you as always: Contact your senator or delegate, and share your views on negative legislation. We need your help.

If you have questions or want us to track a certain bill, e-mail to [email protected].