Measure creating state-run retirement also tabled
State Director Riley Johnson reports from Helena on the legislative week ending February 22
The 2019 Legislature appears to be one of the slowest sessions in 18 years. With declining revenues and a divided government, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are paring down their ideas and wish lists.
This 66th session will likely consider fewer bills than normal. It was in 2001 that the lowest number of bills was introduced at 1,179. The largest number of bills introduced came in 2015 with 1,526. Currently, the two houses of the Montana Legislature have introduced 916 bills, and Monday, February 25, is the first deadline for introducing bills of a general nature; i.e., not revenue or money bills where the deadline for introduction is March 26. So, at 916 bills, it appears this session could beat the 2001 total.
Paycheck Transparency Act
On February 22, House Bill 547 was introduced. This bill would create the Montana Paycheck Transparency Act, allowing employees to discuss wages or benefits without penalty or retribution from an employer. It also would prohibit an employer from asking a potential employee about past wages or benefits. This is a similar bill introduced two years ago in 2017. That bill was tabled. A hearing was held in the House Business Committee February 22, with no action being taken.
NFIB vigorously opposes HB 547 and will work hard to table it again in 2019. This bill is sponsored by Rep. Casey Schreiner (D) of Great Falls, who is also the minority leader in the House.
Microchips in Employees
Also introduced February 22 was Senate Bill 286. This measure concerns not allowing microchips to be placed in employees without their consent. NFIB is monitoring this bill closely.
Two-Thirds Vote Requirement on Taxes
A disappointment came when the Senate Tax Committee tabled House Bill 148 that would have required a two-thirds vote of both houses to create any new tax or fee, or to raise any current tax or fee. NFIB supported this bill by Rep. Forrest Mandeville (R) of Laurel. It was a “key vote” for NFIB.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Two bills that are similar and not yet voted on are House Bill 214 and Senate Bill 234. These bills would potentially change how state employees are covered with workers’ compensation insurance. Right now, most state employees are covered under a policy handled by the Montana State Fund. These bills would open up bidding by private workers’ compensation insurance companies. HB 214 would also allow three of the seven-man board of directors to be elected by State Fund policyholders. Currently, all board members are appointed by the governor. Both bills are awaiting committee action.
State-Run Retirement System
The bill that would have created a state-run retirement system for small businesses, like currently run 529 funds for higher education, was tabled in the Senate Business Committee February 21.
Criminal History
Also tabled this week was Senate Bill 168, which would restrict the question of past criminal history on early applications for employment.
Veterans Day
House Bill 460, which would have allowed employees who were veterans to take off Veterans Day from their jobs with notice of 30-days, was tabled.
Coming up for a Vote
On February 26, two bills of interest to NFIB will be heard. They are SB 286, the microchip bill mentioned above, and Senate Bill 294, which would revise laws on the hiring of criminals and making the employer not liable for any actions or deeds caused by the former criminal employee.
And finally, a hearing will be held on February 27 on a measure that would create a local option “gateway” sales tax for local governments to adopt when the cities or counties are located on highways leading into the state of Montana, such as coming from North Dakota into Montana or from Yellowstone Park into Montana. NFIB hopes this local option tax is the last local option bill to come before this session of the Legislature. To date, NFIB has been in the forefront of tabling some three local option tax introductions.
NFIB will be waiting on many of the revenue and budget bills that are just beginning to come out. Also, it is expected to see bills on renewing the optional Medicaid expansion, and also a major bill or bills on funding statewide infrastructure, such as waste water treatment facilities, public buildings, schools, and drinking water. It is not that these bills would be of direct interest to NFIB members, but how they are funded is a major concern. NFIB will be monitoring these types of bills closely.
Get Involved
Getting involved in the 2019 Legislature is easy. The best way to have your voice heard quickly is to phone 406-444-4800. Operators are on hand in the Capitol Building to take messages for up to five legislators on each call, and delivery is within a half hour. For those wanting more information on locating legislators, getting a personal e-mail address, looking to view committee meetings and floor sessions on television or over computers, and just to review all hearings and reading of the actual bills can go to www.leg.mt.gov and access everything electronically.
Previous Reports From the Capitol
February 15—NFIB Montana Helps Kill Eight Bad-for-Small-Business Bills
February 8—Will Senate Follow House Passage of Two-Thirds Vote Requirement on Taxes?
February 1—Bill Calling for a State Sales Tax up for a Hearing, Wednesday
January 25—Plastic Straws, Styrofoam Containers, Carry-Out Bags in Legislative Crosshairs
January 23—Poll Result Show Support for Teaching Trades, Technology
January 18—Second Week of Session Draws Small Businesses’ Attention to 10 Bills
January 13—Montana State Legislature Opens its 2019 Session
