Senate Committee on Business, Labor and Technology (02/08/2006)

Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS, LABOR AND TECHNOLOGY

Date:	02/08/2006	ATTENDANCE

Time:	01:39 PM to 02:22 PM	Evans	X
		Hanna	X
Place:	SCR 354	Kester	X
		Takis	X
This Meeting was called to order by		Wiens	*
	Senator Veiga	Tochtrop	X
		Veiga	X
This Report was prepared by
	Jeanette Chapman
		X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call

Bills Addressed:		Action Taken:
SB06-098		Postponed Indefinitely

01:40 PM -- Senate Bill 06-098

Senator Brophy introduced his bill that would deny workers' compensation benefits to illegal immigrants. He responded to questions from the committee. Discussion ensued over whether employers have easy access to verification information regarding potential employee's social security numbers. Senator Wiens explained how it is now possible for employers to check the social security administration web site to verify documentation.

01:58 PM

Senator Veiga expressed her concerns with the effects of the bill on the illegal immigrant's family regarding disability benefits. Senator Wiens pointed out that employer's cannot easily pursue the veracity of employee's claims without risk of discrimination. He argued for a 'safe haven' that would permit employers to comply with federal immigration law.

02:03 PM -- John Berry, Worker's Compensation Coalition, spoke in opposition to the bill.

02:05 PM

Senator Brophy made closing comments on the merits of the bill. Senator Evans made comments about whether illegal immigrants have legal standing to sue in the United States. Committee discussion ensued regarding whether immigrants may sue employers.

02:13 PM

Recess to collect Senator Tochtrop.

02:14 PM

Come back to order. Senator Wiens asked about a conceptual amendment to include a provision permitting employers to choose and employee's documentation.


BILL:	SB06-098
TIME:	02:15:26 PM
MOVED:	Wiens
MOTION:	Refer SB 098 to the Committee of the Whole. He proposed a conceptual amendment, but did not make a motion. Senator Veiga indicated she did not believe the concept for such an amendment fit under the title of the bill. The motion to the Committee of the Whole failed 3-4.
SECONDED:
		VOTE
	Evans	Yes
	Hanna	No
	Kester	Yes
	Takis	No
	Wiens	Yes
	Tochtrop	No
	Veiga	No
Not Final YES: 3 NO: 4 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL


BILL:	SB06-098
TIME:	02:19:46 PM
MOVED:	Tochtrop
MOTION:	Postpone indefinitely SB 098 and reverse the previous roll call. The motion passed 4-3.
SECONDED:
		VOTE
	Evans	No
	Hanna	Yes
	Kester	No
	Takis	Yes
	Wiens	No
	Tochtrop	Yes
	Veiga	Yes
Final YES: 4 NO: 3 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

02:20 PM

The committee recessed.