Committee advances private‑sector collective‑bargaining trigger despite objections

A proposed substitute to House Bill 24‑71, which would allow state collective‑bargaining protections to take effect for certain private‑sector workplaces if federal preemption ends or the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) loses jurisdiction, was reported out of the House Labor Committee with a due‑pass recommendation after a 6–3 roll call.

Vice Chair Scott, speaking for the substitute, described it as "an important bill that's going to secure collective bargaining rights in the event that a staple labor program goes away or is defunded beyond its ability to function," and said the substitute narrows the bill to apply only to employers and industries already regulated by federal labor law if federal law no longer preempts state regulation.

Supporters, including Representative McIntyre, said the substitute provides a more balanced approach than the original draft. Representative Schmidt and other opponents said they would vote no because they believe the bill is premature while federal rules and litigation remain in flux; one opponent said, "at this point in time, [the NLRB] does still exist," and therefore the committee should not act to replace federal processes.

After roll call, staff announced six ayes and three nays and reported the proposed substitute out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation. The transcript records the committee action only; any further floor consideration or changes would occur later in the process.