Hawaii Senate Bill SB1074

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 1/29/21
• Report Pass: 2/19/21
• Refer: 2/19/21
• Report Pass: 3/5/21
• Engrossed: 3/9/21
• Refer: 3/11/21
• Report Pass: 3/23/21
• Refer: 3/23/21

Caption

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

Impact

If enacted, SB1074 would significantly influence state employees' pay structures by ensuring that those in Unit (6) are appropriately compensated as per the negotiated agreements. This act will impact the funding allocation for various state departments as the funds for these salary adjustments will be necessary for maintaining competitive public sector wages. The act does not provide specific funding amounts, which may raise questions about the financial implications on the state budget.

Summary

SB1074 aims to appropriate and authorize funds for the collective bargaining cost items pertinent to the members of Unit (6) and their counterparts who are excluded from collective bargaining. The bill specifically addresses the salary increases and other cost adjustments that have been negotiated between the state and the representatives of this bargaining unit for the fiscal biennium of 2021-2023. The underlying goal of the legislation is to ensure that the employees of the state receive fair compensation adjustments based on collective bargaining agreements.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB1074 seems to be largely supportive, reflecting a consensus on the need to uphold negotiated salary and cost adjustments for state employees. The lack of opposing votes during its passage through committee indicates minimal contention on the necessity of providing these fund appropriations. However, there might be ongoing discussions regarding the funding sources or potential impacts on the state budget due to the unfunded nature of the appropriations outlined in the bill.

Contention

While the bill is poised to benefit state employees, notable points of contention may arise regarding how these appropriations will be funded, as the bill permits no allocation of general, special, or federal funds for this purpose. Additionally, concerns regarding the long-term financial sustainability of such funding, as well as its implications for future state budgetary practices, could spark debates amongst policymakers. The bill's effective date being set for July 1, 2050, suggests it is more of a framework for future adjustments, which might result in discussions about relevance and urgency among legislative members.