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Committee advances two companion bills on pay transparency amid criticism from some members
Summary
The committee moved two related bills — HB 5386 (paycheck transparency) and HB 5387 (require wage ranges and benefits on job postings) — while critics said the proposals are overly prescriptive and could reduce employer flexibility and hiring opportunities.
The Labor and Public Employees Committee voted March 12 to advance two related bills on pay transparency.
House Bill 5386 would require paycheck transparency reporting; House Bill 5387 would extend disclosure obligations to public and internal job advertisements, including wage ranges and descriptions of benefits. Proponents framed the measures as tools for closing pay gaps and helping applicants make informed decisions. Opponents — including Senator Samson and other members who spoke at the hearing — argued the bills are overly prescriptive, are vulnerable to litigation over "good faith" range descriptions, and could reduce employer flexibility in hiring and pay-setting.
Critics said employers often tailor pay to candidate experience, longevity and qualifications and that mandating public ranges risks freezing pay bands and limiting opportunities for applicants who might accept a training salary with growth. Supporters responded that transparency encourages equitable pay practices and that the bills build on statutes already in place.
Both bills were moved JF to the floor; committee members signaled continued debate and invited further refinement during the next stages.
