Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workplace Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House passes bill extending abusive‑conduct reporting and training to judicial branch and higher education
Summary
The House approved a revised bill expanding abusive‑conduct reporting and training standards to the judicial branch and higher education, with sponsors saying stakeholders reduced an earlier $500,000 fiscal estimate to a modest ongoing cost; final House vote 67–0.
The House on Feb. 26 passed a second substitute to House Bill 12, extending abusive‑conduct reporting practices and recommended training beyond the executive branch to include the judicial branch and higher‑education institutions.
Representative Stratton, sponsor, described the bill as a refinement of earlier policies and said the measure reflects best practices developed for state executive agencies. She said the substitute clarifies definitions, provides a reporting process for branches previously lacking one, and includes annual reporting provisions.
Floor debate focused on the fiscal note. The sponsor said negotiations with higher‑education stakeholders removed an initial $500,000 estimate for additional FTEs and training and left an anticipated ongoing general‑fund cost of $24,000 and a one‑time cost of $31,001. Supporters emphasized workplace health and productivity benefits; the sponsor cited research indicating civility improves performance and reduces turnover.
Representative Stratton said the bill is intended as a stewardship measure to protect employees and improve workplace civility rather than an unfunded mandate, and she urged colleagues' support. The House passed the second substitute 67–0 and sent it to the Senate.
Next steps: Second substitute to HB 12 will await Senate committee referral and any implementing guidance from state agencies.
