809E67E8288ACB5E872583910070B100 Hearing Summary

Representative Ransom, bill sponsor, presented House Bill 19-1101. The bill prohibits an employer from requiring employee membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment and 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. Violations by employers are considered unclassified misdemeanors and are subject to civil actions 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.

Brad Bergford, Commission for the Protection of Constitutional Rights, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Bergford answered questions from the committee.

John Kalb, National Right to Work Committee, testified in support of the bill. He provided a handout to the committee (Attachment A). Mr. Kalb answered questions from the committee.

Mickey Conway, Laborers' International Union of North America, testified in opposition to the bill.

Jon Perkins, National Association of Letter Carriers - AFL-CIO, testified in opposition to the bill.

Brian Buyaki, Communication Workers of America, testified in opposition to the bill.

Miles Meese, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, testified in opposition to the bill.

Louis Washington, Teamsters Local 455, testified in opposition to the bill.

Zorelle Rainey, Teamsters Local 455, testified in opposition to the bill.

Representative Ransom made concluding remarks on the bill. She referenced a letter from National Federation of Independent Business (Attachment B). Committee members commented on the bill.