[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6650345,"mediaKeyId","2508394-a1d1c9026d7ec0f40cf46be3de34b7f1","parentId",2508394,"title","Chair Bridal seeks new formula for Maryland Auto Insurance Fund affordability after reserve shortfall","audioSeconds",218,"startMs",8795000,"endMs",9013000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2508394-a1d1c9026d7ec0f40cf46be3de34b7f1&start=8795&end=9013","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2508394-a1d1c9026d7ec0f40cf46be3de34b7f1/thumbnail_8795000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6650345/Maryland/Chair-Bridal-seeks-new-formula-for-Maryland-Auto-Insurance-Fund-affordability-after-reserve-shortfall","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650345-059ff5fa0eb2bc458f9124fa49b148b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199394&Signature=SBhQ4EZ1g22lv2Nt3YFQk6SYBH1bq7LdKDAq-ZMT-LEGm3TsOCutoFggA9NDRV4ExSc-qD2HU26yvnZQeQ2Thc2wrd3UgOOl4A0E37wmYMudi3KVBZbex9O80Y5dHszjch5B0gOpobT6~a8LBMOh~SPQyWxgxbo3N7My33h8cgu95xnFDkEdYKjsY3fCzhSgdgJeiZjB7DWdjIf-7JqWnq0wOkg-U3KhoANjaubetktlT28~KWBkpIzA-meqMfNvUmlbRsmr-Xlm~N5OjWLqoE9~0Xw-HElOyn~UubI715zyzG9~9uuEumW9HJavxR9TwMSaUolkkAp-LbBdnX3pPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maryland General Assembly - Finance","date","2025-03-05T23:24:32.82Z","article","Senate Bill 697, introduced by Chair (Bridal), responds to what witnesses described as a disconnect between zip‑code‑based affordability adjustments MAIF currently uses and the fund’s reserve health and assessments to private carriers.

Lede: The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) issued an order earlier this year questioning MAIF’s use of a geographic “affordability index.” MIA asked MAIF to phase out the index over two years and to propose an alternative approach. Senate bill 697 would authorize MAIF to adopt a new affordability method subject to MIA review and require MAIF to file a plan for a pilot or phased approach.

Why it matters: MAIF provides mandatory auto insurance for residents who cannot obtain private coverage. Testimony showed MAIF is carrying reserve shortfalls and recently required an assessment on private carriers (witnesses cited a forthcoming assessment under $20 million). MAIF officials said a zip‑code rule (which treats every household in a low‑income zip code the same) can create parity problems — for example, the same subsidy applying to mixed‑income zip codes — and they proposed a pilot to use better income verification or other criteria modeled on health‑exchange methods.

MIA position and proposals: MIA said it supports addressing affordability but flagged legal and statutory language issues; the regulator asked for a formal plan MAIF can implement and suggested an amendment to require a MAIF plan for how to calculate affordability and avoid unsustainable reserve drains.

MAIF proposal and amendment request: MAIF executives proposed a three‑year pilot process and asked the committee to allow time for MAIF and MIA to agree a workable verification and subsidy method; MAIF stressed it must balance the statutory mandate to provide affordable minimum‑limit coverage with the fund’s actuarial adequacy.

Stakeholder concerns: Short lines and the Canton Railroad (state‑owned) warned about the fiscal note’s potential for sum impacts and urged careful drafting to avoid unexpected costs for the Transportation Trust Fund or other assessments. Insurance trade groups signaled willingness to work but flagged uncertainties.

Ending: Sponsors and MIA said they will negotiate statutory language and MAIF will file a phased plan. Committee members asked for follow‑up language and data to be submitted to the committee before further action.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","FIN Committee Session, 3/5/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","Chair Bridal introduced a bill asking MAIF to replace a zip‑code affordability index with a phased, regulator‑approved method after regulators found the current geographic approach may conflict with statute and strained MAIF reserves.","taxTitle","Finance Committee, SENATE, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",15094,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6650350,"Senate panel hears Maryland Railway Safety Act after East Palestine derailment; bill would require wayside detectors, reporting and crew safeguards",380,11060000,11440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2508394-a1d1c9026d7ec0f40cf46be3de34b7f1&start=11060&end=11440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2508394-a1d1c9026d7ec0f40cf46be3de34b7f1/thumbnail_11060000.jpg","/articles/6650350/Maryland/Senate-panel-hears-Maryland-Railway-Safety-Act-after-East-Palestine-derailment-bill-would-require-wayside-detectors-reporting-and-crew-safeguards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650350-3827dde78bfb257c397e187710ec0f3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199394&Signature=ZNiQm9kIkvpmbu8BGQuWcr26DIS7tkilsmDhxUF0SPNaO5EhXN7CO~eX8~8Nct8XJyPm0x45rjerUlD1sP176eHL5nsx~9RqvVKXoJFUrD7cougQnDQiTbh~SO58ivEzreoArFLsm3m08izgt79vcMxnBUWpN0-YefzoEYzWI2ub9O43r-GDC5DIIjc7J-YD4XW5kC5hlmPkKeEw6Y1x3Q2Eu-8oRui0ij-zUuuJK89BHTKNzrXlbxiuVULhUhjMjvWTbLsUTSD-X5VzFmjjEBURFkqRGeYPOISiXjdgAUArPRztUzzwXwu8neC-sLg1QaH0vhHh4juRELpRAb66rQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 855 prompted safety‑and‑operations testimony from first responders, rail labor representatives, union organizers and rail companies. The bill would require: closer spacing and use of wayside detectors to measure bearing temperatures and other diagnostics; mandatory hazardous‑materials reporting and a secure Maryland database for first‑responder access; limits on how long a train may block at‑grade crossings and a limit on train length; and a review of crew staffing standards tied to safety.

Why it matters: Witnesses cited the February 2023 Norfolk Southern derailment and fires in East Palestine, Ohio — which involved tank cars carrying vinyl chloride and sparked large-scale evacuations and a long cleanup — as the reason for state action. Supporters said federal guidance and fragmented compliance leave gaps that state law should fill to protect communities and first responders.

Supporters’ arguments: Firefighter and first‑responder witnesses said current federal tools (apps and databases) sometimes fail in rural areas without reliable internet, preventing timely access to train‑content data needed during emergency response. Rail labor witnesses and union representatives argued for 2‑person crews and for wayside detector standards and training on detector alerts. Local governments (Baltimore City, Cumberland and several counties) submitted letters or resolutions supporting improved state safety standards.

Railroad opposition and federal preemption concerns: CSX and Norfolk Southern testified that railroads already operate under comprehensive federal regulation, that the bill could impose state requirements that duplicate or conflict with federal rules, and that train‑length or blocking restrictions could harm operations — especially around the Port of Baltimore and the Howard Street Tunnel project. Carriers noted fiscal and operational impacts cited in the fiscal note and said equipment‑level monitoring and labor requirements are already subject to federal oversight.

Committee questions and next steps: Senators asked whether federal guidance alone is adequate and whether state reporting requirements could be crafted to avoid preemption. Railroad witnesses suggested working-level negotiations to avoid conflicting standards and to ensure state choices do not unintentionally reduce network safety by creating operational stress points.

Ending: Committee members agreed to examine the technical details and follow up with the bill sponsor and federal/state stakeholders in order to resolve preemption and operational concerns before moving ahead.

","Senate Bill 855 would require Maryland‑specified wayside detector spacing and monitoring, a secure hazardous‑materials reporting mechanism, limits on blocked at‑grade crossings and a review of crew staffing; supporters cited East Palestine, Ohio as justification while rail carriers warned of federal preemption and operational impact.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6650359,"Attorney General presses for broader authority to fight wage theft, offers amendments",3032,678000,3710000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2508394-a1d1c9026d7ec0f40cf46be3de34b7f1&start=678&end=3710","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2508394-a1d1c9026d7ec0f40cf46be3de34b7f1/thumbnail_678000.jpg","/articles/6650359/Maryland/Attorney-General-presses-for-broader-authority-to-fight-wage-theft-offers-amendments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650359-f9bff33c92eb214ca2cb7128f5e87ba9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199394&Signature=HRwVJ8x65tA7BlKVSm2K~S-WaVLiVF3rf9f6e5pWZSc0YJ6v1pCrpHQW2VT8H157CsaFW0sdPt2b7ytydJnGZuogaXwsU6enghL7yy-Pg48467LWlK642YT4aAkaq0h98vlm-lUtzANWw8lGLSZQKKoEd67BBnt7mO8dsve1zbxciOTjWuIN3PIG27XJUTHWCprhiXUzWe90LOsDOqrNvwVYD1hW6yfU5fV~WPnTSnQrm6YJ9-YSZzvDJB1B~~7HXS5Jp5hWzt1tYIKazuUBZs9EhdcPG642HOqzD79qwfkCaO96RGPp9vJPve8oMT3I2r2n-zMB8f6Nw4JWxf0Nng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Attorney General Anthony Brown told the Senate Finance Committee on March 5 that Senate Bill 938, a priority of his office, would expand enforcement of misclassification and wage-theft laws beyond the construction and landscaping sectors and create a Worker Protection Unit in the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

Brown said misclassification and wage theft “strip workers of fair pay, benefits, and workplace protections,” undercut law-abiding employers and cost the state in lost payroll taxes, unemployment insurance contributions and workers’ compensation funds. He urged a favorable report while previewing a set of amendments intended to address stakeholder concerns.

Why it matters: Maryland’s current Workplace Fraud Act limits some enforcement to construction and landscaping; the AG and labor advocates say misclassification is common in home health care, janitorial, hospitality and other sectors. Brown cited high-profile recoveries by other jurisdictions — including a $3.75 million DC settlement returning money to about 1,200 workers — as evidence more powerful civil enforcement tools can recover wages at scale.

Bill provisions and proposed amendments: As introduced SB 938 would (a) expand coverage to all industries, (b) create a Worker Protection Unit in the OAG to investigate and litigate wage and misclassification cases, (c) expand penalties including licensing and debarment consequences, and (d) make higher-tier contractors potentially liable for subcontractors’ misclassification. Brown and OAG staff said they will offer amendments that: (1) preserve the labor commissioner’s autonomy; (2) limit the AG’s authority so enforcement becomes complaint-driven or referral-based rather than giving OAG independent investigatory initiation in all cases; (3) refine the definition of “employee” and standards used to determine misclassification; and (4) remove or narrow some civil penalties to respond to stakeholder concerns.

Supporters and enforcement context: Labor unions, the Maryland AFL-CIO, the Building Trades Council, SEIU, LIUNA, Maryland Legal Aid and the Public Justice Center testified in favor. They argued stronger civil enforcement and general‑contractor accountability are needed to protect vulnerable workers, deter repeat offenders, and level the field for law-abiding contractors.

The Maryland Department of Labor (MDL) said it supports many of the bill’s goals — expanding general-contractor liability and stronger consequences for repeat violators — but raised technical concerns about parallel enforcement lanes and inconsistent remedies if both MDL and OAG had overlapping authorities. Commissioner Debbie Burke reported expanded enforcement activity at the department after additional “pins” (positions) funded by the General Assembly: in CY2024 the division identified 199 misclassified workers at 29 employers and recovered roughly $1 million in restitution in prevailing‑wage cases; two months into the new year staff had already identified additional misclassifications.

Opposition and concerns: Business groups including the Maryland Chamber, Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), Associated Builders and Contractors’ members, and trade associations representing technology and “gig” platforms opposed broad expansion or expressed concern about changes to the ABC/employee tests and record‑inspection authority. Short-term concerns included (a) removal of a safe-harbor that some small subcontractors rely on; (b) extending joint-and-several liability to general contractors without procedural safeguards; and (c) broader investigative powers and data requests that could create compliance costs or expose proprietary information. TNCs and gig platforms urged the committee not to change long‑standing tests that determine employee status for tax and benefits purposes.

Committee next steps: Brown and OAG staff said they are actively negotiating amendments with stakeholders and would file them with the committee; senators pressed for the text and for more time to review changes. Several members sought clarity about impact on the gig economy (Uber/Lyft), and the AG repeatedly said the bill does not change the legal baseline for employment tests but would allow wage‑hour enforcement to reach industries the Wage Protection Act now omits.

Ending: Senators and witnesses agreed on the goals — reducing wage theft and protecting workers — but the committee reserved judgment pending the formal amendments and technical fixes OAG and MDL promised to supply for review.

","Attorney General Anthony Brown told the Senate Finance Committee that Senate Bill 938 would expand the state’s ability to investigate and litigate wage theft and worker misclassification beyond construction, but that his office will offer amendments that narrow investigatory authority and preserve the labor commissioner’s autonomy.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6650339,"Senate hears bill to create appeal rights for deactivated rideshare drivers; companies and advocates seek middle ground",1861,17239000,19100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2508394-a1d1c9026d7ec0f40cf46be3de34b7f1&start=17239&end=19100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2508394-a1d1c9026d7ec0f40cf46be3de34b7f1/thumbnail_17239000.jpg","/articles/6650339/Maryland/Senate-hears-bill-to-create-appeal-rights-for-deactivated-rideshare-drivers-companies-and-advocates-seek-middle-ground","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650339-36532cadd658b419493c78dfb1b03e0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199394&Signature=UVcVLb20LCWvNxI3Pv~G8D9hAqIYD-Us1HxW~ih7m07Lk44ulkjL1sKoTkLSRUM0S8u8r9LmF0zdcL4uZa~vstvTR~EMaVAXKM2wS~wdGzZqHLCuJXcbVcwEKZpOhHsVexLD6tjJ3mcWOspadhwT46U50OlFzn5f5XLf0oPxoF2jYApUZu4nVeLYUtU5AFjEO0vwFohaJxFLNi0-KI-auEx7X7zSR~HH-nQUR7RABNuHwFFG4ewVs~~v4EBHd6UX2WgfDxilo83RQhZOFSBxUmFQzk9wSdW~ncmHsI8mCHuoGMsic~7lQsBu2zZo8HF9d~TkQlIfjoBPNB~M4ZA1jw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 747 would require transportation network companies (TNCs) to provide clearer written notice of deactivation reasons, an internal review process and an external appeals path before a permanent exclusion from the platform takes effect. Sponsor Sen. Ben Kramer said the bill is aimed at drivers who depend on platforms for primary income, not occasional or part‑time drivers.

Why it matters: Deactivations remove a driver’s ability to earn on a platform and were described in testimony as effectively a job termination. Drivers told the committee they have faced long, opaque investigations that cut off income immediately and sometimes for weeks; witnesses recounted severe financial and emotional harm. Advocates and the Amalgamated Transit Union urged statutory minimums for notice, timely review and a regulated appeals route.

Key elements: As written the bill (a) requires written reasons for suspension and deactivation, (b) sets a short timeline for driver notice and a company response, (c) tasks the Public Service Commission (PSC) with adopting definitions of “egregious misconduct” and procedural standards, and (d) creates an appeal path — internal appeals first and PSC review for unresolved disputes.

Support and testimony: Drivers and the DMV Drivers Alliance and unions described personal stories of long deactivations, disputed complaints from riders, and the emotional and financial consequences of being removed from the platform. Rideshare drivers urged a system that can adjudicate false complaints and guard against algorithmic or biased outcomes.

Opposition/industry concerns: Uber testified it already suspends quickly in safety cases and has processes for appeals; it warned that narrow statutory timelines could capture temporary or administrative suspensions (for example, expired documentation) and suggested more targeted definitions for “egregious” misconduct. Empower (a distinct platform model) said its operators are software‑subscribers who run independent businesses and asked the sponsor not to sweep that model into the same regulatory definition (the sponsor said he will not change the bill’s immediate TNC definition but plans to negotiate separately on Empower’s status).

Committee follow‑up: Senators indicated they want a workable compromise: durable driver protections for wrongful deactivations while preserving the ability of platforms to remove drivers who pose immediate safety risks. Sponsor Kramer said he will file limited technical edits (notably to keep the current TNC definition) and the committee asked parties to negotiate language on timeframes, the role of the PSC and definitions of egregious conduct.

Ending: The hearing produced a clear policy tradeoff — immediate safety decisions versus drivers’ due‑process protections — and senators requested more precise drafting addressing the operational concerns raised by platforms.

","Senate Bill 747 would require rideshare companies to give written reasons for suspensions and deactivations, provide internal appeal processes and allow regulated external review; drivers described months‑long opaque deactivations that cut off livelihoods, while companies warned tight timeframes could catch administrative suspensions.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6650355,"Heated testimony on tipped workers and '1 Fair Wage' as Senate hears bill to study ending sub‑minimum wage",4328,12704000,17032000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2508394-a1d1c9026d7ec0f40cf46be3de34b7f1&start=12704&end=17032","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2508394-a1d1c9026d7ec0f40cf46be3de34b7f1/thumbnail_12704000.jpg","/articles/6650355/Maryland/Heated-testimony-on-tipped-workers-and-1-Fair-Wage-as-Senate-hears-bill-to-study-ending-subminimum-wage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650355-a47005c98d0207c2a3a799e8fba31727/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199394&Signature=A1rus1m~eCCldRIXnsRc~6Fn0ZEJG6OB9Esr7wRupymGpsEhpj5z5AmNx85NR9kV0frx9uTdPeqmctCtCtQBBrzLQCBD0q2WinpAuYVUtMFi7F2pvVggyQqZrhJAQSHYgOVxCjBi3aQtLayE-~QlcO2-VlOXOJiR2sBpwbr1TmRMb2Tg3oFiMqsoGsPCk4o4dCrVfquuacIDB42xHzeC4R0htnHK-nDbhWFn~u4zS65HzyPkv8PQPe6wH6nfx54OZ0rr4SynvzsPV3yYMgcfkA4TXgq1piu-lLrBvLf-X3HdQDp~WcBKAN00D4JIPDhxaFfMDbAFJ1BBr1aQEoL7nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 823 drew one of the largest panels of the hearing, with tip workers, labor advocates, restaurant owners and trade groups testifying about wage levels, sexual harassment, the economic effects of changing the tipped wage and a proposed state study into alternatives.

Lede: Sponsor Senator Corey McCray said amendments filed after the House hearing narrow the bill’s current focus to (a) exempt tips from state income tax, (b) require restaurants to disclose whether service charges go to workers or the house, (c) bar deduction of credit‑card fees from tips, (d) require employers to show the effective hourly wage including tips on pay statements and (e) direct a Maryland Department of Labor/Commerce study and a report to the legislature by Nov. 1 on phasing out a tipped subminimum wage.

Why it matters: Maryland’s subminimum wage for tipped workers ($3.63 cited in testimony) is among the more contentious wage‑policy issues in the nation: proponents argue a full minimum‑wage with tips on top protects workers, reduces harassment and raises incomes without harming restaurants; opponents — including many restaurant owners and several trade groups — warn of higher operating costs, menu price increases and potential job losses or business closures.

Proponents’ testimony: Dozens of current and former tipped workers and advocates from 1 Fair Wage, SEIU 1199, legal aid groups and racial‑justice organizations recounted low and unstable incomes; multiple allegations of on‑the‑job sexual harassment; and the difficulty of asserting workplace rights when wages depend heavily on customer tips. Several witnesses cited research showing states or cities that raised tipped wages had no measurable negative effect on restaurant jobs or small‑business growth and that workers earned more overall.

Opponents’ testimony: The Restaurant Association of Maryland, the Maryland Chamber and many independent restaurant owners urged caution. They said the original bill’s proposed elimination of tip credits and potential $20 minimum‑wage scenarios could produce substantial increases in labor costs; one owner said a math example produced a 35–40% menu increase in his operation. Industry witnesses urged stakeholder input on data and study design and asked the committee for time to evaluate the sponsor’s amendments.

Tax and technical questions: Witnesses and several senators pressed for details on the proposed tax subtraction for tips. Advocates said most tipped workers do not owe significant income tax and that the subtraction is narrowly crafted (modeled on federal proposals) to preserve Social Security/Medicare withholdings; opponents asked how withholding, payroll taxes and employer reporting would change for credit‑card versus cash tips.

Committee process: Sponsor McCray said the present amendments are intended to prepare a fuller ballot‑measure or follow‑up legislation and to secure a study and enforcement changes this session. Senators asked for time to review the new amendment text and for a clearer fiscal and administrative plan for implementation.

Ending: Committee members heard sharply differing personal testimony from servers, owners and economists. The bill—amended in the House and now before the Senate committee—remains a high‑profile, politically charged item pending clarification of its tax and study language.

","A long panel of tipped workers, advocates and industry groups debated Senate Bill 823 and sponsor amendments that would study and prepare for ending the tipped subminimum wage, tax treatment of tips, disclosure of service charges, prohibition on credit‑card fee deductions from tips and stronger enforcement against tip‑theft and harassment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Chair Bridal seeks new formula for Maryland Auto Insurance Fund affordability after reserve shortfall

Senate panel hears Maryland Railway Safety Act after East Palestine derailment; bill would require wayside detectors, reporting and crew safeguards

Attorney General presses for broader authority to fight wage theft, offers amendments

Senate hears bill to create appeal rights for deactivated rideshare drivers; companies and advocates seek middle ground

Heated testimony on tipped workers and '1 Fair Wage' as Senate hears bill to study ending sub‑minimum wage