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Debate over 32‑hour standard work week highlights labor‑business split in committee hearing
Summary
Supporters, including unions and public‑sector employees, urged HB 2611 to lower the overtime threshold from 40 to 32 hours and adjust paid sick leave accruals; hospitality, grocery, agriculture and small‑business witnesses cautioned that a universal 32‑hour threshold could raise labor costs, complicate scheduling and harm industries with seasonal or on‑site constraints.
House Bill 2611, which would reduce the overtime threshold from 40 hours to 32 hours per week effective Jan. 1, 2028, and adjust paid sick leave accrual to one hour per 32 hours worked, drew robust testimony on Jan. 27 from both labor and industry witnesses.
Sponsor Representative Scott framed the bill as a pro‑worker measure modeled on pilot programs and company examples that reported productivity and morale gains with reduced hours. "House Bill 2,611 is legislation for a happier, more productive workforce," he told the committee, citing…
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