The Virginia House Labor and Commerce Subcommittee 2 heard a slate of bills affecting workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and occupational licensing and moved several measures forward on recorded votes.

Highlights: HB 20-60 (workers’ compensation for first responders) was reported 7-0 and referred to Appropriations; HB 17-66 (increase weekly unemployment benefits by $100) and HB 17-67 (uniform 26‑week maximum benefit duration) were each reported to Appropriations by 5-2 votes; HB 19-51 was struck from the docket by a 7-0 vote at the start of the meeting; HB 17-49 (45‑day timeline for workers’ compensation employer determination) was laid on the table by a 5-2 vote; HB 18-51 (add sheriffs/deputies to certain presumptions for occupational disease) was tabled 4-2 after cost and scientific-evidence concerns; and HB 19-33 (expand throat‑cancer definition for presumption coverage) was reported 7-0 and referred to Appropriations.

Workers’ compensation for first responders (HB 2,060). Delegate Krzyzyk presented HB 2,060 to expand coverage for firefighters and law enforcement officers. The bill would increase certain mental‑health-related benefit periods — for example, expanding post‑traumatic stress disorder coverage from 52 weeks to 500 weeks — to bring first responders’ presumptive coverage into parity with other workers, the patron said. Jennifer Pike of the Virginia Professional Firefighters and other public‑safety groups testified in support. The subcommittee reported the bill unanimously, 7-0, and referred it to Appropriations.

Apprenticeship and cosmetology licensing (HB 16-67). Delegate Jones offered a line amendment to clarify cross references and widen pathways for 16- and 17-year-old students to participate in registered apprenticeships, approved Department of Labor externships or to work if they have completed licensure and competency exams. Stephen Kershner of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) explained the pathways. The subcommittee reported the bill with amendments by a recorded 7-0 vote.

Workers’ compensation timeline (HB 17-49). Delegate Eddys’s bill would have required employers to issue a determination on workers’ compensation claims within 45 calendar days, with enumerated exceptions (e.g., need for extended evaluation or receipt of medical information). Wes Marshall of the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission told the panel that exceptions such as conflicting medical opinions are common and that the proposal could impose some administrative burden; the subcommittee voted 5-2 to lay the bill on the table.

Unemployment insurance bills (HB 17-66 and HB 17-67). Delegate Martinez presented two unemployment measures. HB 17-66 would raise weekly benefit amounts by $100 and direct the unemployment commission to study annual adjustments tied to average weekly wage metrics; HB 17-67 would set a uniform maximum potential benefit duration at 26 weeks for all claimants. Testimony in favor came from the Commonwealth Institute, the National Employment Law Project and multiple labor organizations; the Virginia Employment Commission advised against HB 17-67. Both bills were reported to Appropriations by 5-2 votes.

Sheriffs and occupational disease presumption (HB 18-51) and throat cancer definition (HB 19-33). Delegate Arnold’s bill to add sheriffs and deputies to certain occupational disease presumptions drew support from the Virginia Sheriffs Association but opposition from risk carriers and county associations, which cited limited scientific studies and potential costs to local governments and pooled insurers. The sponsor asked for local funding clarifications; the subcommittee voted 4-2 to table HB 18-51. Delegate Bolling’s bill to expand the statutory definition of throat cancer for presumption coverage drew testimony that the change would provide clarity to claims adjudicators; HB 19-33 was reported and referred to Appropriations 7-0.

The subcommittee recorded multiple roll calls during the meeting. Several bills that were reported will proceed to Appropriations for fiscal review; the transcript records the votes noted above and includes the written letters from the Speaker’s office directing Appropriations referral where applicable.

Votes at a glance

- HB 19-51 — Motion to strike: stricken from the docket (7 yes, 0 no).
- HB 17-25 — Reported with substitute: approved (5 yes, 2 no); advanced from subcommittee.
- HB 2,060 — Reported and referred to Appropriations (7 yes, 0 no).
- HB 16-67 — Reported with amendments (7 yes, 0 no).
- HB 17-49 — Laid on the table (5 yes to table, 2 no).
- HB 17-66 — Reported and referred to Appropriations (5 yes, 2 no).
- HB 17-67 — Reported and referred to Appropriations (5 yes, 2 no).
- HB 18-51 — Laid on the table (4 yes, 2 no); sponsor requested additional work on funding and scientific evidence.
- HB 19-33 — Reported and referred to Appropriations (7 yes, 0 no).

Next steps: Several bills were referred to Appropriations for fiscal review; others were tabled for further work. The transcript indicates the subcommittee adjourned after the final vote.