Second funnel narrows legislative focus

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