State Budget
This has been the week of House Finance Sub-Committee closeouts. Next week the full House Finance Committee will be hearing public testimony on its proposed budget. The House Finance Committee budget has many significant reductions from the current budget, not just reductions in the proposed increases. With a $3 billion revenue decrease, there are very serious discussions around every spending item.
Daylight Savings Time
Senate Bill 6, the repeal of Daylight Saving Time, was hard in the Senate Finance Committee. It was held for further hearings March 3 at 9 a.m. There was testimony about the psychological effects of changing time twice a year. There was also testimony by businesses in Southeast tourism who would be hurt significantly by the time change limiting the light available for tours.
Workers’ Compensation/Opioids
House Bill 32, limiting opioids in the workers compensation program was heard in House Labor & Commerce and held for further hearing. We expect it to move out in the next week or so. NFIB supports this legislation, because it has shown to be a cost savings in other states, as well as reducing medication caused addiction of injured employees.
Business Restitution
Senate Bill 5, which includes business income in restitution, will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee March 2, at 1 p.m. NFIB has been working to secure passage of this important bill. NFIB-member Chris Nettles testified in support of the bill in the Labor & Commerce Committee. Chris will be testifying again in the Judiciary Committee.
Sick Leave
House Bill 124, mandating sick leave was introduced by Rep. Geran Tarr. It is similar to Senate Bill 12 that was introduced earlier. NFIB will strongly oppose this bill as these types of mandates restrict the ability to develop benefit packages desirable to their employees. Our letter of opposition can be read here.
Past Reports
