h_sa_2016a_2016-04-04t14:14:26z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 04/04/2016

04:13 PM -- SB16-070



Representative Everett, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 16-070 to the committee. The reengrossed bill prohibits an employer from requiring employee membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment or from requiring employees to pay dues or fees to a labor organization, charity, or other third party. Standing agreements that violate these prohibitions are made void. The bill also defines all-union agreements as unfair labor practices. It requires a labor organization to prorate and refund a member's dues within 30 days of the member's resignation, and it specifies that a labor organization must not use an employee's dues for political contributions without the employee's express consent. Violations by employers are considered unclassified misdemeanors and are subject to civil and criminal penalties of a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment in county jail for up to 90 days, or both. Civil remedies include all damages and attorney fees resulting from the violation. The attorney general or the district attorney of each judicial district is responsible for investigating complaints and taking actions to enforce the statute. Federal employers and employees, as well as those covered by the Railway Labor Act, are exempt from the bill.



04:20 PM -- John Soper, representing himself, testified against the bill and responded to committee member questions.



04:23 PM -- Mark Latimer, representing Associated Builders and Contractors, testified in support of the bill and responded to committee member questions.



04:29 PM -- Michael Williams, representing the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, testified against the bill and responded to committee member questions.



04:36 PM -- Mark Madsen, representing Teamsters Local 455, testified against the bill and responded to committee member questions.



04:43 PM -- Ralph Lufen, representing the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association, testified against the bill.



04:45 PM -- Thomas O'Reilly, representing the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, testified against the bill.



04:49 PM -- Dan Bergman, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.





04:52 PM



Representative Everett wrapped up his presentation of the bill. Committee members commented on the bill.

04:58 PM



The committee recessed.