House committee pauses work on extreme-temperature workplace bill, chair to consult counsel and safety agency

The House Committee on General and Housing paused legislative action on a proposed bill to protect workers from extreme workplace temperatures at its April 1, 2026, meeting, saying more fact‑finding and executive‑branch input are needed before the panel asks counsel for another draft.

The committee chair opened the session by summarizing prior testimony and two draft variants prepared by counsel, Sophie Dutney, and asked members whether the panel should direct additional drafting. After extended discussion, the chair said, "you do not need at this point to make another draft of this" and that they would instead meet with counsel and BOSHA (the state workplace‑safety agency) and report back to the committee.

Members split along two broad lines. Several members urged further study and administrative input, arguing that federal and state rulemaking and OSHA guidance may shape any workable standard. One member…