Legislative Update

March 2010

As the 3rd month of 2010 gets underway, there are plenty of issues being tackled on both the Federal and State levels. This year is proving to be very busy for legislators at our nation’s capital and those representing us in Washington State.


Health Care Reform continues to a top priority for President Obama, and the White House is urging leaders in Congress to pass a reform proposal soon. Even given the recent bump in the road with the election on Senator Brown things are still moving forward quickly. We urge you to stay in contact with your federal officials by writing letters to express Health Care impacts on our organizations.


The status of the Employee Free Choice Act: HR 1409 remains unchanged. It has been referred to a House committee which for a lack of a better description is like a mini- congress. The bill will be reviewed and possibly revised during this stage.


Our state legislators will adjourn from the short session on March 11th, so the last few weeks will be eventful. The following provides an update on some of the hot issues that will impact our local organizations and Human Resources.


House Bill 2764 Leave for Pandemic Flu -Introduced by Rep. Steve Conway, (D-Tacoma)
This bill as currently written, states that employers with more than 20 full time employees may not discipline or discharge employees who have pandemic flu-like symptoms or have taken time off for  diagnosis of the pandemic flu. As of February 17th the bill was returned the rules committee for the second reading.


Senate Bill 6334 Modifications to Unemployment Benefits- Introduced by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, (DSeattle)
Would disqualify certain persons from unemployment benefits when the person voluntarily terminates employment. As of February 2nd, This bill was sent to the Rules Committee which will decide if the bill will be placed on the floor calendar for a second reading.


House Bill 3024 Meal and Breaks -Introduced by Rep. Steve Conway, (D-Tacoma)
This bill if passed, will seriously impact our local hospital community. This bill states that hospitals must provide employees uninterrupted 30 minute meal and rest breaks of at least 10 minutes every four hours unless: An unforeseen emergent circumstance occurs. Scheduled on February 22nd for public hearing in the Senate
Committee on Labor and Commerce &Consumer Protection.


House Bill 3145 Wage Complaint Enforcement -Introduced by Rep John McCoy, (D 38th Dist)
If passed this bill would allow L&I more tools to take action against violators. Strengthens L&I’s enforcement of wage complaints by increasing penalties on repeat violators. It would allow L&I to seek a wage bond, tolling the status of limitations, and clarifying L&I’s investigatory deadlines. It would allow wage/penalty collection
against fraudulent successor businesses. On February 23rd this bill
was scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Labor
and Commerce & Consumer Protection.


These issues could significantly impact our organizations; a bill is never truly dead. It can always be revised and presented again, that is why it is up to us to share our HR voice with leaders and be their resource. Sharing your experience, knowledge and incite will help educate them on the issues that matter most today and tomorrow.