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Senate committee debates state family and medical leave bill, then tables SB 325
Summary
The Senate Business and Labor committee debated SB 325, a state-level family and medical leave act sponsored by Sen. Harvey; supporters cited gaps in federal FMLA coverage and personal hardship, opponents warned of cost and new employer mandates. After roll call the committee moved to table the bill.
Senate Business and Labor committee members debated Senate Bill 325, a proposed state family and medical leave act, during executive action before ultimately tabling the measure.
Committee staff summarized the bill as "creating family and medical leave act" and identified the sponsor as "Senator Harvey." Senator Novak said she supports the measure in principle but expressed concern about the implementation timeline and whether the Department of Labor could be ready by the bill’s effective date. "I think that this is a good bill. I do have some concerns on the timeline piece and just hoping the Department of Labor can get that rolling in time," Novak said.
Opponents framed the proposal as costly and administratively burdensome for employers. Senator Trevis said the proposal "forces an employer into a new HR function" and that the issue should be left to the free market, signaling a no vote.
Senator Morgeau gave personal testimony in support of the bill, recounting a recent cancer diagnosis and limited paid leave at small employers: "Last year, I was diagnosed with cancer. ... For the 3 months that I was off of work, I had pay for about 3 weeks, and then we were kind of just SOL." She said a state program would have helped her family.
The committee proceeded to a roll call; the clerk recorded five votes in favor and seven opposed on the initial roll call. Shortly thereafter a motion was made to table SB 325 and the committee voted to table the bill. The chair instructed members to return the bill to committee files.
The tabling leaves the policy under active consideration but without a committee recommendation; sponsors and supporters were urged in discussion to work with the Department of Labor and consider timing amendments on the House side if needed.
The committee’s action on SB 325 will be reflected in the committee files and any future scheduling will depend on the sponsor’s amendments and administrative readiness.
