News Archive
Three Bills We’re Watching – and Supporting – In the Legislature
February 23, 2023
The 2023 session of the state Legislature is in full swing, and HGEA is looking out for you. In addition to nearly two dozen bills that affect salaries, raises and the health benefits trust fund, here are three priority bills aligned with our Legislative Priorities that HGEA is supporting.
- BALANCING POWER ON THE HAWAII LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
House Bill 161 would ensure that the labor representative on the Hawaii Labor Relations Board (HLRB) is selected by the majority of representatives from collective bargaining units.
Why do we support this?
Currently, all three members of the HLRB are appointed by the governor, including the member who represents labor interests. HGEA is advocating for a fairer distribution of power by allowing exclusive representatives of the bargaining units to select their own representative to the board.
What’s the status of the bill?
The House Committee on Labor and Government Operations heard and passed HB161. It was referred to the Committee on Finance and is awaiting a hearing date.
- FAIRER PROCESS FOR REPRICING NEGOTIATIONS
House Bill 163 would require the employer to initiate repricing negotiations within 30 days of receiving a request from the exclusive representative of a bargaining unit, and creates access to an impasse procedure.
Why do we support this?
A similar bill passed by the Legislature last year was vetoed by Gov. David Ige. Currently, employers frequently deny repricing requests from bargaining and claim all current pricing is appropriate. Unions also do not have recourse if parties fail to reach an agreement on a union’s request to negotiate the repricing of a class. This bill would provide a process to resolve failed attempts to negotiate the repricing of a class.
What’s the status of the bill?
The House Committee on Labor and Government Operations heard and passed HB163. It was referred to Committee on Finance and is awaiting a hearing date.
- RELIEVING COST BURDEN OF LICENSING RENEWAL FEES
House Bill 164 would require the public employer to pay for any necessary employee professional licensing renewal fees.
Why do we support this?
Many public employees face financial hardship due to employers choosing not to pay for their employee’s renewal fees (It’s currently up to employers whether to do so.). This bill would shift the cost burden from the union member to the employer.
What’s the status of this bill?
The House Committee on Labor and Government Operations heard and passed HB164. It was referred to the Committee on Finance and is awaiting a hearing date.
Also, several bills opposed by HGEA have died this session. They include bills that would require the state Department of Education to administer annual mental health or behavioral health screenings and convert the Emergency Management Specialist (level IV and higher) from civil service to exempt status.
As always, we’ll keep you informed as bills that affect our membership continue to move forward.