Oregon 2025 Regular Session

Oregon Senate Bill SB1044

Introduced
2/18/25  

Caption

Relating to employment; declaring an emergency.

Impact

The enactment of SB 1044 will have a direct effect on employers by specifying conditions under which meal periods can be altered. Notably, it outlines that a short reduction in the meal period, defined as five minutes or less, does not automatically constitute a violation if certain conditions are met, such as if the employer encouraged uninterrupted meal breaks. Additionally, it enables the commissioner to impose civil penalties for violations of meal break regulations, further emphasizing employer accountability.

Summary

Senate Bill 1044 addresses state wage and hour laws specifically around meal periods for employees in Oregon. The bill clarifies that 'work time' does not include meal periods, which impacts how employers calculate wages and working hours. It establishes that employers are liable to employees for penalties if they violate the rules set by the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries regarding meal periods. This legislation underlines the importance of mandated meal breaks for employee health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 1044 is largely supportive among labor advocates who see it as a necessary step toward protecting employee rights and ensuring adequate rest during work hours. However, some employer groups express concern about the potential for increased liability and penalties, which they argue could create challenges in managing their workforce and operational flexibility.

Contention

A significant point of contention in the discussions surrounding SB 1044 involves the balance between employer operational flexibility and employee rights to adequate break periods. While supporters argue that the bill reinforces labor protections, critics warn it could lead to overregulation, which may hinder businesses, particularly in the food service and hospitality sectors where meal breaks often intersect with fluctuating work demands.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OR HB3498

Relating to minimum conditions of employment.

OR HB2699

Relating to minimum wage rates; prescribing an effective date.

OR HB2697

Relating to staffing plans for health care provider entities; and declaring an emergency.

OR HB2443

Relating to minimum wage rates; declaring an emergency.

OR HB3612

Relating to civil rights; declaring an emergency.

OR SB592

Relating to the Oregon Safe Employment Act; and declaring an emergency.

OR HB4115

Relating to employment classification of certain strike-prohibited employees; declaring an emergency.

OR HB2290

Relating to information sharing for purposes of administration of Employment Department programs; declaring an emergency.

OR HB2476

Relating to the repeal of certain provisions related to pay equity; declaring an emergency.

OR SB428

Relating to the repeal of certain provisions related to pay equity; declaring an emergency.

Similar Bills

OR SB1513

Relating to mandatory overtime shifts.

NJ A721

Exempts small businesses from apprenticeship requirement under "The Public Works Contractor Registration Act."

NJ S170

Exempts small businesses from apprenticeship requirement under "The Public Works Contractor Registration Act."

NJ A1738

Exempts small businesses from apprenticeship requirement under "The Public Works Contractor Registration Act."

CT HB05371

An Act Concerning A Minimum Workweek For Persons Performing Building Maintenance Services.

CT HB06914

An Act Concerning A Minimum Workweek For Persons Performing Janitorial Or Building Maintenance Services.

NJ A2782

Requires reduced worker's compensation premiums for farm employers and small employers.

OR HB3498

Relating to minimum conditions of employment.