Relating To The Department Of Accounting And General Services.
If enacted, the bill will directly amend Section 26-6 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which governs the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS). Through this amendment, DAGS will be required to establish parameters for mileage reimbursement while fostering a culture of reduced reliance on government-owned vehicles. The anticipated outcome of the bill includes not only a decrease in the operational costs associated with maintaining large motor pools but also the flexibility for employees to operate their vehicles during work duties, potentially increasing job satisfaction.
SB1305, introduced in the 2021 Legislative session, aims to modify how the State of Hawaii manages its vehicle fleet. Primarily, the bill encourages state employees to use their personal vehicles for work-related travel, thereby reducing the number of vehicles maintained by state motor pools. This legislative change is intended to streamline travel expenses and make the state's operations more cost-efficient by compensating employees for mileage while utilizing their personal vehicles.
The sentiment surrounding SB1305 seems to be generally favorable, with a focus on encouraging responsible use of resources. Supporters argue that the bill will not only facilitate better fiscal management for state departments but also promote employee autonomy. As discussions took place within the legislative assembly, many members expressed optimism about increasing efficiency in state operations and encouraging a modernized transport approach within state practices.
A point of contention that arose in discussions surrounding SB1305 pertains to the potential impacts on state expenses versus anticipated savings. Critics raised concerns about whether sufficient guidelines could be established to ensure that mileage reimbursement would not lead to unintended financial consequences, such as excessive claims by employees. Moreover, while the bill promotes vehicle use modifications, it has also prompted questions about the environmental implications of increased personal vehicle usage over shared government fleets.