Business committee lays over workplace nondiscrimination bill to allow more stakeholder work

The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee on April 23 heard sponsor remarks on House Bill 20 (six‑thirteen‑nineteen), a measure the sponsors described as affirming that "every worker has the right to be open about their orientation, gender identity, and gender expression without fear." Vice Chair Camacho, speaking for the bill, thanked labor and advocacy partners and said the sponsors are postponing action to refine the text with stakeholders.

"This bill is about the right to be who you are at work without fear," Vice Chair Camacho told the committee, urging additional review and collaboration. Co‑sponsor Rep. Joseph said the sponsors plan to return next year with a stronger bill after further conversations with affected communities.

At the sponsors' request, Camacho moved to lay the bill over until May 15, 2026; the motion was seconded and approved on a 13–0 voice/roll call vote. The record lists the layover as "at the sponsor's request" and the chair announced that the motion passed.

Why it matters: Sponsors portrayed the bill as a targeted step to make existing nondiscrimination protections operate in day‑to‑day workplaces—protecting names, pronouns, access to appropriate facilities and remedies for retaliation—while opponents (not present during this portion) will have opportunities to comment during future hearings. By laying the bill over, the sponsors said they hope to use the time to incorporate stakeholder input and clarify any legal or technical drafting issues.

Next steps: The bill will return to the committee for further consideration on or before May 15, 2026, allowing sponsors to file revised language and consult with stakeholder groups before another vote.