If passed, SB873 will require the Department of Human Resources Development to report its findings and recommendations, which may include proposed legislation, back to the legislature by a set deadline. This mandatory reporting is designed to inform future legislative decisions and actions regarding gender equity in state employment. The focus on empirical data collection and analysis signifies a commitment to addressing systemic pay inequities within the state's governing bodies.
Summary
Senate Bill 873 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the gender pay gap within the State of Hawaii's government workforce. The bill mandates the Department of Human Resources Development to engage a qualified consultant to conduct a thorough study evaluating the differences in pay between genders. This study is intended to assess not just the average salary discrepancies but also variations based on several significant factors including seniority, merit systems, education, training, geographic location, and specific labor agreements.
Contention
Debate surrounding SB873 may arise concerning the implications of the findings from the study, particularly regarding how any identified pay gaps will be addressed legislatively. Potential points of contention might include budget considerations for implementing corrective measures, the methodologies used for the study, and the overall approach to gender equity in state employment practices. Stakeholders may have differing views on how aggressively the state should pursue necessary reforms based on the study's outcomes.