Hawaii Senate Bill SB1308

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

Impact

The implementation of SB1308 is expected to have a direct impact on the funding mechanisms of state departments, particularly those related to the judiciary and health systems. By making specific appropriations for collective bargaining cost items, the bill guarantees that funds are available to meet the negotiated salary adjustments and other cost adjustments outlined in the agreements. This is particularly significant for the Department of Education and Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, as they rely on these appropriations for operational and employee compensation purposes.

Summary

Senate Bill 1308, pertaining to public employment cost items, seeks to provide appropriations necessary for collective bargaining agreements negotiated with the exclusive representative of collective bargaining unit (11) for the fiscal biennium 2023-2025. The bill allocates funds across various state departments to ensure that salary increases and cost adjustments are covered. This includes provisions for state officers and employees who are excluded from collective bargaining but belong to the same compensation plans as members of unit (11).

Contention

Although the bill appears straightforward in its focus on budgeting for salary increases linked to collective bargaining, issues may arise over the adequacy of funding appropriations and how they affect the overall state budget. Critics might raise concerns regarding fiscal sustainability, particularly as these appropriations draw from state resources that may be limited or heavily allocated elsewhere. Furthermore, stakeholders will likely debate the long-term implications of inflating salaries through collective bargaining agreements, especially in periods of budget constraints.