By Chancen Flick
This week at the State Capitol was quiet but tense. House and Senate leadership have continued to meet on developing the 2024 budget but negotiations have been strained. This has resulted in many days of very little action on any legislation not directly related to the budget. As the “Sine Die” (Final Day of Session) adjournment date of May 26th approaches, many advocates are rushing to ensure that their legislative agendas do not remain dormant for the upcoming year.
OPEA staff have been working diligently with our legislative authors to ensure that these bills continue through the process. Senate Bill 193 by Senator Garvin did see movement late this week. This bill will allow for employees that have been with the state for 2 years to qualify for 6 weeks of paid maternity leave. The bill has been assigned a Senate Conference Committee. Once the House appoints conferees, the bill can be reviewed, edited, and sent back for a final vote.
Below is a list of our priority bills still eligible for consideration. If you have any questions, please contact Chancen Flick at chancenf@opea.org
| HB 1396 | Hasenbeck, Toni(R) Floyd, Kay(D) |
Provides for an increase to court reporter compensation and maximum salary and creates an annual equipment allowance; EMERGENCY. |
| Last Action: | 5- 1-23 H Set on the House Floor Agenda |
| HB 1798 | Osburn, Mike(R) Thompson, Roger(R) |
Establishes a system to gradually increase state employee pay to the level of 90 percent of comparable private sector positions by 2026 and maintain that threshold moving forward. |
| Last Action: | 5- 8-23 H House rejected Senate amendments |
| HB 2375 | Kannady, Chris(R) Thompson, Roger(R) |
Extends the duration of the Workers’ Compensation Court of Existing Claims’ single judge to July 1, 2027 and adjusts various provisions related to workers’ compensation; EMERGENCY. |
| Last Action: | 5- 8-23 H House rejected Senate amendments |
| SB 193 | Garvin, Jessica (F)(R) Archer, Nick (F)(R) |
Provides for 6 weeks of paid maternal leave for state employees upon the birth or adoption of a child. |
| Last Action: | 5-11-23 S Senate appointed a conference committee: Garvin, Stewart, Bergstrom, Alvord, Seifried, and Floyd |
