The Senate Committee on Labor and Business convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss House Bill 3550, which seeks to exempt minor league baseball players from certain wage and hour laws in Oregon. The bill, introduced by Representative Dacia Graber and supported by Senator Solman, received significant backing, passing the House with 35 votes in favor and 15 against.

The primary focus of House Bill 3550 is to provide a narrowly tailored exemption from minimum wage, overtime, and record-keeping requirements for minor league players who are covered under a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with Major League Baseball (MLB). This CBA, which has been negotiated to the satisfaction of all parties involved, treats players as salaried employees, ensuring they receive weekly salaries and various benefits, including health and retirement plans.

Graber emphasized that the exemption is necessary for the CBA to be fully effective across all states where minor league baseball operates. The bill aims to honor the agreement reached between MLB and the Players Association, which includes provisions for player compensation and benefits during the 2023 to 2027 seasons.

Quest Meeks, representing MLB, expressed support for the bill and highlighted the collaborative effort between MLB and the Players Association. He noted that both organizations have submitted a joint letter affirming their backing for the legislation.

The committee's discussion underscored the importance of this bill in fostering a supportive environment for minor league baseball in Oregon, with Graber urging committee members to support the measure as a testament to the successful partnership between employers and represented workers. The committee is expected to deliberate further on the bill, which could have significant implications for the treatment of minor league players in the state.