NFIB fighting to make sure any omnibus bill on workers’ compensation protects independent contractors
State Director Denny DeWitt reports from Juneau on the small-business agenda for the legislative week ending April 27
The Legislature is moving toward adjournment.
- The state’s operating budget is in conference committee.
- Bills are being scheduled with 24-hour notice.
- Senate committees are dealing with House bills.
- The House is starting on Senate bills.
- The capital budget bill has received two hearings in the Senate Finance Committee, which is usually the final piece of legislation carrying most of the agreements made to end the session.
Workers’ Compensation
The workers’ compensation issue is in the Senate Finance Committee where there are discussions on the possibility of an omnibus bill combining features of House Bill 79 and Senate Bill 112, as well as some pieces of other bills that have been introduced.
HB 79, containing protection for independent contractors, has already had two hearings in the committee, one of which NFIB was called to the committee table to discuss the independent contractor language and to assure the committee that we agreed with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Senate Bill 112 has a limit on attorney fees and creates a commission to look further into needed workers’ compensation reform.
NFIB remains unwavering on its position of protecting independent contractors and insists that any bill must be balanced to benefit both employees and employers.
NFIB’s 75th Anniversary
Check out this article on NFIB’s receiving a citation from the Alaska Legislature honoring our 75th anniversary.
Previous Reports, Action Alerts, and News Releases
April 20 Report—As Legislature Winds Down, NFIB Vigilant for Last-Minute Amendments
April 13 Report—Legislators Seek NFIB Guidance on Workers’ Compensation Bill
April 6 Report—NFIB Digs in for Fight on Four Bills
March 30 Report—House Still Struggling With State Budget
March 23 Report—Capitol Consumed by State Operation Budget
March 16 Report—House Members Look to NFB for Position on Workers’ Comp. Measure
March 9 Report—Flus, Vacancy Slow Legislative Work
March 2 Report—NFIB Opposed Appointment to Workers’ Comp. Board Bounced
February 23 Report—NFIB-Crafted Language in Workers’ Compensation Bill
February 16 Report—NFIB Members Succeed in Delaying UI Tax Increase
February 9 Report—Will Bag Bill Create Checkout Line Arguments
February 2 Report—NFIB Takes Lead in Fight Against UI Tax Increase
January 29 Action Alert—Register Your Opposition to House Bill 142
January 26 Report—Plastic Bag Fee Called ‘Administrative Nightmare.’
January 19 Report—To Slow Down or Speed Up Governor’s Tax Proposal
January 12 Report—Alaska Legislators Return for Business, January 16
December 19 News Release—Alaska Small-Business Owners Vote on Four Issues Ahead of Session
[Tile photo courtesy of Capitol Updates from The Alaska State Legislature]