State change on an object if variable is met works on base layer but not other layers

I am new to Storyline and this is a basic question. However, I am unable to find an answer.

In a base layer my trigger works properly: "Set state of object to hidden when the timeline starts on this slide if variable = value 'True'."

In another layer on the same slide, my trigger does not hide the object: "Set state of object to hidden when the timeline starts on this layer if variable = value 'True'."

The variable is not changed until the user clicks on the object in one of the layers.