Second funnel narrows legislative focus
April 2, 2015
The Legislature completed the second funnel this week, which allows the legislature to focus on the few policy bills still remaining. The week had a much different feel than the first funnel with most business done early in the week. The mood of the week is actually a good sign as now a majority of the legislators' time will be spent on Ways and Means and Appropriations bills. ABI’s No. 1 priority is a funnel-proof bill and could receive additional discussion in the next couple weeks. Here is an update on other key business bills:
Live Bills
HSB 174 - Exempts supplies used in manufacturing process
HF 576 - Broadband
SF 344 - Tax credit for companies who have apprenticeship programs (construction only)
SF 488 - Air Quality Bureau funding
HF 556 - Cell tower siting
HF 514 - Establishes motor vehicle insurance verification program
HF 192 - Requirement of written equalization notice and property tax appeal date changes
HF 443 - Future repeal of board of tax review
HF 421 – Relates to qualifications for career and technical education instructors
SF 410 - Mandates insurance coverage of opioid analgesic drugs
Dead Bills
SF 270 - Wage payment collection
SF 269 - Minimum wage increase
SF 437- Mandates employers provide time off to attend presidential caucuses
HF 308 - Aligns state and federal alcohol testing policies
SF 375 - Adds additional employment benefits for adopting parents
SF 202 - Mandates co-pay equalization for physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists
HF 580 - Streamlines water filter testing requirements
SF 460 - Increases regulations for entities who pay employees via pay card
HF 590 - Establishes human capital enrichment advisory council and operations team
SF 297 - Classifies workers’ compensation ALJs as merit employees
HF 240 – Allows increased teaching load for community college career and technical education instructors
HF 587 - Creates new code section related to recreational vehicles
HF 394 - Regulation of transportation network companies (Uber/Lyft)
HF 194 - Statute of repose repeal