The committee voted to deem HB 282 (which would have increased the maximum benefits for first responders critically injured in the line of duty) after debate over whether the existing cap of $500,000 every two years had been exhausted in the past. Representative Wharton made the motion; Representative Flanagan supported. The appeal ended 11-9 in favor of ITL.
Separately, the Committee voted on ITL on HB 586 (Establishing an Employee Assistance Program for First Responders in Small Towns) after members raised questions about overlap with workers' compensation and the lack of a financial statement from the Committee; This motion was made by Representative Castrone and seconded by Representative Hall and passed by the same majority of 11-9. Committee members who opposed ITL argued the program could provide rapid and early intervention for post-traumatic stress disorder and reduce subsequent workers' compensation costs.
HB 299, a workers' compensation measure on awardable attorneys' fees and costs, was also adopted by the Committee as an ITL (11-9). Proponents said earlier provision of fees could improve representation and efficiency at hearings; Opponents argued that this would increase insurance costs.
In contrast, the committee voted unanimously (20-0) to retain HB 303, which directs the Department of Labor to review and consider workplace safety requirements similar to federal OSHA standards. Members supporting retention said the bill needed more work and a phased approach to funding and implementation; Opponents had raised concerns about costs and administrative capacity.
Finally, the Committee passed HB 225 (Employment Protection for Spouses of Deployed Military Members) OTPA with Amendment 0075H by a vote of 19-1 and placed it on consent. The amendment shortened the vacation period and clarified the documentation requirement; The committee report was written by the sponsor.
Voices at a glance
– HB 282 – Proposal: Inconvenient for Legislature (ITL). Author: Rep. Wharton; Second: Rep. Flanagan. Result: ITL, 11-9. Notes: The debate centered on the question of whether the biennial payout cap for seriously injured first responders should be increased.
– HB 586 – Proposal: ITL. Author: Rep. Castrone; Second: Rep. Hall. Result: ITL, 11-9. Comments: The Committee lacked financial information and questioned overlaps with workers' compensation and existing private services.
– HB 299 – Proposal: ITL. Author: Rep. Lavery; Second: Rep. Avelani. Result: ITL, 11-9. Comments: Concerns have been raised about possible upward pressure on insurance premiums.
– HB 303 – Motion: Maintained. Author: Rep. Sullivan; Second: Rep. Avelani. Result: Retain, 20–0. Comments: The Committee has signaled its intention to pursue a phased approach and technical cooperation with stakeholders.
– HB 225 – Proposal: OTPA with amendment 0075H. Author: Rep. Avelani; Second: Rep. Sullivan. Result: Advance to ground with approval, 19–1. Notes: The amendment limits the duration and clarifies the definition of courts/magistrates and the procedures for recognition by employers.
What the committee said: Members who supported ITL votes generally argued that the bills either lacked demonstrated need, duplicated existing services, or lacked fiscal detail. Members who opposed ITL votes advocated for proactive support for first responders and increased access to workers' compensation representation. On HB 303, members of both parties agreed to refine the scope of the bill and explore phased implementation and funding.
What's next: HB 225 will appear on the House approval calendar. The three ITL laws are effectively stalled unless they are reintroduced. The retained workplace safety bill (HB 303) remains under the jurisdiction of the Committee for further development and stakeholder engagement.
End: The Committee closed executive session after requesting committee reports and schedules for any minority reports. Several members asked staff for further financial analysis on items the committee left open.