News Archive
Legislative Update: EUTF and DOE Tenure
February 04, 2012
Entering the second month of the Legislative Session, we are continuing to monitor and track bills that may impact bargaining unit employees and retirees. The following measures are of particular note as legislation is moving quickly in these areas.
Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF)
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S.B. 2324 - Collective Bargaining/EUTF Cost Items for Bargaining Units 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 13 – funding vehicle bills in case of potential “favored nation” outcomes.
Passed Senate Judiciary and Labor (JDL) Committee and referred to Senate Ways and Means (WAM) Committee - S.B. 2323 - Collective Bargaining/EUTF Cost Items for Bargaining Unit 9 – funding vehicle bills in case of potential arbitration award.
Passed Senate JDL and referred to Senate WAM - S.B. 2214/H.B. 1848 - EUTF Impasse – would make the contributions to the EUTF subject to impasse; removes prohibition of contributions as a strike or binding arbitration issue.
Scheduled for Senate JDL decision-making on Tuesday, Feb. 7 and for hearing by House Labor and Public Employment (LAB) Committee - H.B. 2102 - Medicare Part B Reimbursements – to eliminate Medicare Part B reimbursement for new employees hired effective July 1, 2012.
Scheduled to be heard by House LAB on Tuesday, Feb. 7. HGEA will be testifying against taking away the benefits of future employees. - H.B. 1168 - EUTF Administration – provides for fiduciary responsibilities; allows EUTF to hire attorneys; alters composition of EUTF board and appointments to vacancies; alters requirements for quorum; places EUTF within Department of Human Resources Development rather than Department of Budget and Finance for administrative purposes.
Scheduled to be heard by House LAB on Tuesday, Feb. 7
Tenure for DOE Employees
H.B. 1668 would eliminate the vesting of tenure for certain DOE employees, including principals. HGEA has sent in testimony opposing this bill. The bill is scheduled for decision-making on Monday, Feb. 6.
We will continue to keep you updated via the HGEA website and eBulletin.