Table 1
More and more states are legislating to protect worker rights—allowing them to opt out of listening to unsolicited political and religious views: State legislative action, 2006–2024
| State | Year | Bills and statutes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enacted legislation | |||
| Connecticut | 2022 | SB 163 | Enacted |
| Maine | 2023 | SP 702 / LD 1756 | Enacted |
| Minnesota | 2023 | HF 2442 | Enacted |
| New Jersey‡ | 2006 | §34:19-10 | Enacted |
| New York | 2023 | S.4982 / A.6604 | Enacted |
| Oregon | 2010 | ORS 659.785 | Enacted |
| Washington | 2024 | SB 5778 | Enacted |
| Legislation under consideration | |||
| Alaska | 2024 | HB 179 | Introduced |
| 2024 | Initiative 23AMLS | Pending referendum | |
| California | 2023 | SB 399 | Introduced |
| Colorado | 2024 | HB 24-1260 | Introduced |
| Hawaii | 2024 | SB 2715 | Introduced |
| Illinois | 2024 | SB 3649 | Introduced |
| Maryland | 2024 | HB 0802 | Introduced |
| Massachusetts | 2023 | S.958 | Introduced |
| Michigan | 2023 | HB 4236 | Introduced |
| Rhode Island | 2023 | H 7106 | Introduced |
| Vermont | 2023 | S. 102 | Introduced |
| Virginia | 2024 | SB 485 | Introduced |
| Legislation introduced but not enacted | |||
| Colorado | 2006 | HB 1314 | Vetoed |
| Connecticut | 2011 | HB 5460 | Not passed |
| Michigan | 2022; 2009 | HB 5826; HB 4467 | Not passed |
| Missouri | 2010 | HB 1416 | Not passed |
| New Mexico | 2013 | HB 277 | Not passed |
| Washington | 2009 | SB 5446 | Not passed |
| Wisconsin‡ | 2009 | SB 585 / Act 290 | Rescinded |
| West Virginia | 2008 | HB 4132 | Not passed |
Note: New Jersey statute §34:19-10 does not define communications regarding labor unions as "political matters" and thus allows anti-union captive audience meetings. Although no formal ruling was issued, Wisconsin entered a settlement to stop enforcing Act 290 following legal challenges.
Source: Authors' analysis of state legislation.
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