Model Gains

The Connecticut and Massachusetts state assemblies are considering the ASCA’s model legislation, and association Executive Director Kevin Gilbride says the goal is adopt in five new states in 2019.

To date, Illinois and Colorado have enacted into law the association’s model legislation, which prohibits clients from passing on their negligence through hold-harmless agreements and indemnification clauses.

CONNECTICUT

In late February, the ASCA’s model legislation was introduced by Connecticut State Rep. Patricia Billie Miller of the 145th District, who assigned the legislation to the Joint Committee on General Law. This committee deals with matters relating to the Department of Consumer Protection, fair trade and sales practices, and other public health and safety areas.

By late March, HB-7288 took a critical step toward becoming law in Connecticut when it was unanimously voted out of committee at a 16-0 vote.

Next, HB-7288 will be reviewed by the Screening Committee, and from there it then goes on the House calendar to be called for a vote, which could take place from that point until the end of the 2019 session.

“We’re very excited and encouraged by HB-7288’s introduction into the general assembly,” Gilbride says. “Now the state’s professional snow removal community must do its job to continue generating momentum for this bill, and to encourage members of this committee that it’s a worthwhile issue to be considered and passed by the full assembly.”

You can track the Connecticut bill’s progress with this link: bit.ly/2YKWRrl

MASSACHUSETTS

On the heels of the Connecticut announcement, the ASCA’s model legislation took an important first step toward becoming law in Massachusetts when it was introduced into the state’s general assembly.

Proposed S. 1116 was introduced in early March by State Senator Bruce E. Tarr, representing the 1s Essex and Middlesex District, who assigned the legislation to the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development. This committee considers all matters concerning discrimination with respect to employment, the labor laws, workers’ compensation and such other matters.

Gilbride was excited and encouraged by the introduction of S. 1116 and says it was the hard work of the state’s professional snow and ice community, including snow fighter Mike Weiss, the owner and founder of Weiss Commercial Property Services, that the legislation is under consideration.

“Hopefully, this legislation will proceed without issue through the Massachusetts legislature and to the governor’s desk in time for the 2019-2020 snow season,” he says.

Use this link bit.ly/2EW1vLv to follow the legislation’s progress through the Massachusetts state assembly.

Gilbride adds it’s important for the professional snow and ice management community in both Connecticut and Massachusetts contact their state reps and express their support for their respective bills. “Let them know that not only with the bills keep Connecticut Massachusetts citizens safe, it will also reign in skyrocketing insurance premiums for snow and ice professionals,” he says.

Professional snow and ice management industry members interested in taking an active role on getting the legislation passed in their home state are encouraged to contact Gilbride directly at kgilbride@gie.net.