SB2593 amends Hawaii law governing the Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) to exempt four newly created board positions from the State civil service system and from collective bargaining coverage. The bill specifically identifies the administrator, administrative manager, training and curriculum coordinator, and lead investigative agent as exempt positions, and it also updates the board’s enabling statute to authorize the board to hire those employees and other necessary staff without regard to chapters 76 and 89, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
The measure also expands and clarifies the LESB’s statutory duties. It reinforces the board’s authority to set minimum standards for law enforcement employment, certify officers, establish training and continuing education requirements, investigate compliance with standards, and revoke certifications when appropriate. In addition, the bill directs the board to consider relevant studies, including the 2018 Legislative Reference Bureau study referenced in the bill, and to conduct its own study on how best to carry out its responsibilities efficiently and effectively.
Impact
The bill amends section 76-16, HRS, to add LESB’s four positions to the list of civil service exemptions, and amends section 139-3, HRS, to expressly permit the board to employ those positions outside chapters 76 and 89. As a result, the affected LESB jobs would not be subject to standard civil service hiring rules or collective bargaining protections, giving the board more flexibility in recruitment and employment terms. The bill leaves the board’s broader certification, training, and enforcement powers intact while formalizing its staffing authority in statute.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment appears supportive but cautious. The bill advanced through the Senate committees with favorable votes, including unanimous approval in the Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee and strong support in Ways and Means, though one vote in Labor and Technology was not unanimous. The House committee report also moved the bill forward, with several members voting aye with reservations, suggesting general agreement with the need for staffing flexibility but some concern about the labor and civil service implications.
Contention
The main point of contention is the decision to remove the new LESB positions from civil service and collective bargaining coverage. Supporters argue the board needs specialized staff, confidentiality, and hiring flexibility to carry out its mission, while the bill itself acknowledges that the board’s work may affect existing employment obligations and collective bargaining considerations. The legislation also references the need to study broader law enforcement standards and certification issues, indicating that some lawmakers may want more analysis before expanding the board’s authority or changing employment protections.