LEGISLATIVE REPORT

MARCH 2008

 

The following bills that could impact ACEC member firms or their clients have been introduced.

 

  1. SENATE BILL 204 – This Bill would raise the minimum wage from $7.15/hour to $7.85/hour on March 1, 2009 and to $8.25/hour on March 1, 2010. This Bill is out of Committee.
  2. HOUSE BILL 344 – This Bill would make unenforceable any covenant or restriction on the use of wind power on an individualÕs property. This Bill is in the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
  3. House Bill 327 – This Bill would make changes to Employment at Will provisions of the State Code. The Bill has a basic philosophy of compromise and balancing the competing interests of employees and employers. The Bill provides covered employees expanded good cause protections against termination, with available remedies limited to reinstatement, with or without back pay, and severance pay when reinstatement is unfeasible. Compensatory and punitive damages are eliminated, except in cases where an employer retaliates against an individual for filing a complaint, or giving testimony or otherwise participating in proceedings under this subchapter. The Bill applies to employees working more than 20 hours per week and for at least one year. This Bill is in the House Labor Committee. I would recommend that we have our Affiliate member Kevin Fasic review the Bill and provide us comments on the potential impact o our business.