DOT correction leads committee to amend HB2335 on workforce qualifications

The joint Senate committee on March 25 voted to pass House Bill 2335, House Draft 1, with amendments after the Department of Transportation requested a correction to statutory language governing flexibility in minimum qualifications.

Deputy Director Lee (HDOT), introduced by the chair, told the committee that a prior drafting reference to positions "having a salary range at or below SRP 10" was in error and should be removed. "So it should read, 'flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications.' That was a mistake," Lee said, asking the committee to strike the clause and place a period after "qualifications." The correction would ensure the flexibilities apply broadly, not only to positions below a specific salary range.

Committee members acknowledged the clarification and indicated they might follow up but accepted the deputy director's correction for purposes of the committee vote. The committee also noted testimony from the Department of Education that supports consideration of a skills-based hiring framework; that observation will be reflected in the committee report.

The chair recommended passing HB2335 HD1 with HDOT's proposed amendments and the textual change requested by Deputy Director Lee. The committee adopted the recommendation by voice and roll call; no reservations or no votes were recorded during the committee action reported in the transcript.

The bill advances with committee amendments; the committee report will document the statutory edit and the recommendation to explore skills-based hiring approaches.