Labor & Employment

passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2115: RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

Amends the collective bargaining negotiation procedure on the repricing of classes within a bargaining unit for public employees. Establishes an impasse procedure to be applied when an employer fails to initiate the negotiation or the parties fail to reach an agreement within 90 days. Repeals existing law that requires a different impasse procedure to apply in those situations. Sunsets 6/30/2029. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAmends collective bargaining procedures to establish clearer impasse resolution, strengthening public employees' negotiation rights and protections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 20, 2026

SB 2088: RELATING TO HEALTH CARE PLANS FOR WORKERS.

Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, in consultation with the Insurance Commissioner, to establish and implement a five-year voluntary Nontraditional Workforce Portable Health Care Benefit Plan Pilot Program that offers high deductible health plans or catastrophic health plans to nontraditional workers who are ineligible for health benefits provided by the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund or prepaid health care plans under the Prepaid Health Care Act. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates voluntary pilot program to provide high deductible/catastrophic health plans to nontraditional workers excluded from existing coverage, expanding access to health benefits.92% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates voluntary portable health benefits pilot for nontraditional workers ineligible for existing plans, expanding access to health care benefits as part of employment standards.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 2164: RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.

HB 2164 defines "compounded prescription drugs" specifically for workers' compensation claims. This bill directly affects injured workers seeking medical coverage and insurers processing those claims. It establishes a clear legal definition to determine which custom-mixed medications qualify for coverage under workers' compensation law. This clarification aims to reduce disputes over medication eligibility in injury claims. The bill does not change existing coverage rules but provides a precise standard for applying them.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies coverage for compounded prescription drugs in workers' comp, reducing disputes and supporting access to necessary medications for injured workers under healthcare coverage.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentClarifies medication coverage under workers' comp, reducing disputes for injured workers. Ensures access to necessary medical treatments without changing existing benefit rules.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 1697: RELATING TO NATURAL HAIR BRAIDING.

HB 1697 exempts natural hair braiders from state licensing requirements when operating under specific conditions, directly affecting individuals who provide natural hair braiding services. The bill removes a barrier for braiders who meet defined criteria, such as operating in non-commercial settings or adhering to safety standards. This policy change simplifies access to the profession without requiring a state-issued license for qualifying practitioners. The bill is currently in early stages, having been prefiled and introduced in January 2026.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRemoves licensing barrier for natural hair braiders, lowering entry barriers to employment in this profession.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 1522: RELATING TO DISCRIMINATION.

HB 1522 extends the time period to file a discrimination complaint with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission from the current limit to one year. This change directly affects individuals who experience discrimination in Hawaii, giving them more time to seek redress through the Commission. The bill’s key provision modifies the statute of limitations for filing such complaints, allowing a full year from the alleged discriminatory act to submit a formal complaint. The bill is currently pending before the House Judiciary Committee for further review.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExtends statute of limitations for discrimination complaints, strengthening worker protections under Labor & Employment by providing more time to seek redress.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 2360: RELATING TO PAID FAMILY LEAVE.

By 1/1/2029, requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to establish a family and medical leave insurance program and begin collecting payroll contributions to finance payment of benefits. By 1/1/2030, requires the Department to begin receiving claims and paying benefits under the program. Specifies eligibility requirements and employee protections under the program. Excludes paid family and medical leave benefits from income tax. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes payroll tax funding for family leave program and excludes benefits from income tax, providing tax relief while funding a new public program.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates state-funded medical leave insurance program, expanding coverage for healthcare-related absences under medical leave provisions.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates mandatory paid family leave program with employee protections, expanding worker benefits and rights under Labor & Employment policies.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 2533: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Department of Education to provide additional benefits to: (1) teachers with special assignments where their duties and responsibilities are greater than their ordinary duties and responsibilities; (2) teachers in Hawaiian language medium education whose responsibilities are greater or unique and require additional language skills; and (3) teachers at special needs schools. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly appropriates funds for additional teacher benefits in specialized roles, directly supporting educators and increasing school resources per education topic definition.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides additional benefits and funding for specific teachers, advancing worker compensation within education sector95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 1851: RELATING TO TAXATION.

Establishes an apprenticeship program income tax credit for certain qualified costs incurred by a taxpayer for a qualified apprenticeship program. Sunsets 12/31/2036. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes tax credit for apprenticeship programs, providing targeted tax relief to encourage workforce development and economic growth within state fiscal framework.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentTax credit incentivizes apprenticeship programs, advancing workforce development and employment opportunities, aligning with Labor & Employment support indicators.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 1659: RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

Repeals the prohibition placed on certain employees exempt from Civil Service Law from grieving a suspension or discharge. Allows any employee who is a member of an appropriate bargaining unit to grieve any disciplinary action, unless the collective bargaining agreement specifically provides otherwise. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRepeals prohibition on exempt employees' grievances, expanding collective bargaining rights and disciplinary appeal access.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Feb 20, 2026

HB 2263: RELATING TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.

HB 2263 authorizes eligible state employees to take family leave for military-related family emergencies, such as a service member's deployment or sudden military orders. It directly affects state workers whose families face qualifying military exigencies under state law. The bill establishes a specific leave provision within state family leave rules, allowing time off without losing pay or job protections. This creates a concrete policy change for state employees managing military family obligations, separate from federal provisions.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands state employee family leave benefits for military exigencies, protecting job security and pay during qualifying military emergencies, directly advancing workplace rights.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

Track