Hawaii House Bill HB1293

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 2/1/21

Caption

Relating To Remote Work.

Impact

The proposed bill allocates $1,000,000 from the state's general revenue for the fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 to fund the grant program. By prioritizing small businesses and those exhibiting significant revenue reduction, the bill seeks to stimulate economic recovery and adaptation for companies facing challenges in maintaining traditional working models. This financial assistance could help mitigate some of the negative impacts of reduced in-person operations while fostering a more sustainable transition to remote work.

Summary

House Bill 1293 establishes a Remote Work Transition Grant Program within the State of Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. The program aims to assist businesses in transitioning to remote work by providing grants to cover expenses associated with converting to virtual offices or enhancing remote work capabilities. This initiative responds to the increasing trend toward remote work, particularly in light of recent global events that necessitated such adjustments in working environments.

Contention

While proponents of HB 1293 argue that the bill is essential for modernizing the workforce and supporting businesses amid ongoing economic challenges, critics may express concerns about the allocation of state funds and potential oversight of grant distributions. There is an implicit concern regarding the effectiveness of such programs and whether they adequately address the needs of all businesses affected by the shift to remote work, or inadvertently favor only certain sectors or company sizes.

Notable_points

The bill's framework stipulates that businesses must certify their use of grant funds and submit documentation regarding expenditures, thereby instituting a level of accountability. Additionally, the exclusion of Chapters 42F and 103D from applying to these grants indicates an intention to streamline assistance, making it more accessible for small businesses without the complexities of more stringent regulations.