HB 547: Private companies providing public transportation services; employee protections.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Private companies providing public transportation services; employee protections; report. Requires the governing body of any county or city that contracts with a private company to provide transportation services to (i) require such company to provide any employee of such company providing such services compensation and benefits that are, at a minimum, equivalent to the compensation and benefits provided to a public employee, as defined in the bill, with a position requiring equivalent qualifications and years of service; (ii) provide transportation services through such company's own employees; and (iii) if such county or city subsequently elects to provide its own system of public transportation, adopt an ordinance or resolution providing for collective bargaining and ensure all employees of such private company are offered employment with such subsequent public transportation system without loss of compensation or benefits. The bill clarifies that the bill only applies to actions occurring on or after the effective date and excludes any action taken, contract signed, liability incurred, or right accrued prior to July 1, 2026, from the requirements. Finally, the bill directs the Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation to convene a work group to develop recommendations on how to implement the provisions of the bill and requires the work group to report its findings and recommendations to the Chairs of the House Committee on Labor and Commerce and Senate Committee on Local Government by November 1, 2026. This bill is identical to SB 731.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 4

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 13, 2026Governor's recommendation received by House
2. March 14, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
3. March 14, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
4. March 13, 2026Signed by President
5. March 13, 2026Signed by Speaker
6. March 13, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB547ER)
7. March 13, 2026Enrolled
8. March 6, 2026Senate substitute agreed to by House (62-Y 35-N 0-A)
9. March 4, 2026Passed Senate with substitute (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
10. March 4, 2026Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute
11. March 4, 2026Local Government Substitute agreed to
12. March 4, 2026Read third time

Showing 12 most recent of 29 actions. Full history