Number 020 HB 386 - RETIREMENT RTS:HRLY LEGISLATIVE EMPLOYEES TIM BENINTENDI, staff, Rep. Carl Moses, gave the following sponsor statement: HB 386 has two main objections: One, to provide an avenue for cost saving opportunities for the Legislative Affairs Agency, and two, to expand flexibility when hiring nonpermanent workers. MR. BENINTENDI noted that the sponsor has offered a committee substitute (CS) for the committee's benefit that more clearly states the intent to distinguish between permanent hourly and temporary who would be hired without the retirement benefits. Number 034 REP. MACKIE asked what they continued hourly employees. Number 046 PAM STOOPS, Executive Director, Legislative Affairs Agency, explained that the hourly employees referenced here would be in maintenance and supply when hired for a short duration, summer tour guide people, persons retired from the state that might work temporarily in the print shop. Also, in Public Services the Agency hires hourly employees to moderate teleconferences. MS. STOOPS noted that these people could go back and pay back the costs and pick up this temporary retirement time. REP. MACKIE asked if this would affect session only staff. MS. STOOPS responded that this would not affect his current staff; they are considered monthly paid seasonals. Number 080 CHAIRMAN HUDSON asked if this would affect any of the bargaining units. MS. STOOPS responded no. She added that the executive branch has used this classification for years. Number 085 REP. SITTON asked if these employees would receive benefits such as workers' compensation. Number 090 MS. STOOPS responded yes. Number 105 REP. MACKIE asked if there was or will there be a specific policy to describe exactly the employees referenced. He expressed a specific concern that HB 386 not provide a means to hire employees and skirt around the benefits. Number 120 MS. STOOPS reiterated her desire to have the flexibility to hire as needed. REP. PORTER moved to adopt the L&C committee substitute for HB 386. No objections were heard; it was so ordered. REP. PORTER moved CSHB 386(L&C) with individual recommendations and a negative fiscal note. No objections were heard; it was so ordered.