Senate Bill No. 329, identified as File No. 346, is a legislative proposal that aims to promote the use of hybrid, telework, and other flexible work schedules. The bill mandates that by October 1, 2024, the Labor Commissioner, in collaboration with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation, must develop a marketing campaign to encourage these types of work schedules. The campaign will include monthly public service announcements on the Labor Department's website, social media accounts, and through radio and television broadcasts within the state. The content of these announcements will highlight the benefits of flexible work schedules on emissions, road wear and tear, fossil fuel consumption, and traffic congestion. The bill is set to become effective on July 1, 2024, and introduces a new section to the state's legislation.
The fiscal impact statement attached to the bill indicates that the Department of Labor will incur costs of $950,000 in the fiscal year 2025 and $1 million in the fiscal year 2026 to implement the marketing campaign. These costs include a one-time production cost of approximately $200,000 for the public service announcements in fiscal year 2025, and ongoing costs for radio and television airtime. The bill does not have any municipal impact. The ongoing fiscal impact is expected to continue into the future, subject to inflation and the costs of radio and television airtime. The Labor and Public Employees Committee has given the bill a joint favorable vote, with 8 yeas and 4 nays on March 21, 2024.