Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR122

Introduced
3/10/23  
Refer
3/15/23  
Report Pass
4/4/23  
Engrossed
4/5/23  

Caption

Urging The Department Of Human Resources Development To Examine The Reasons For The High Rate Of Vacant State Positions And Explore Solutions For Filling The Vacancies, Including Reexamining The Minimum Qualification Requirements For Those Positions And Educating The Public And, In Particular, Potential Workers On Alternative Pathways To Meet The Minimum Qualification Requirements For Civil Service Positions, Including Apprenticeship Programs.

Impact

The resolution calls for a re-evaluation of the minimum qualifications required for state positions. By encouraging the Department of Human Resources Development to identify alternative pathways for potential workers, such as through apprenticeship programs, SCR122 could change how the qualifications for civil service are defined. This could lead to a more diverse applicant pool and improve the chances of filling the more than four thousand vacant positions identified within the state government.

Summary

SCR122 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the 32nd Legislature of Hawaii, which urges the Department of Human Resources Development to examine the high number of vacant state positions and explore solutions to fill these roles. The resolution emphasizes the importance of addressing barriers that prevent these vacancies from being filled, arguing that doing so is essential for improving the quality of service provided to the public by state agencies. It highlights that having qualified personnel in government positions will provide stable employment opportunities for residents of Hawaii.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SCR122 appears to be supportive, as it seeks to address a considerable issue within state employment. Legislators recognize the benefits of having qualified individuals in these roles and the potential of apprenticeship programs to bridge the gap in meeting qualification standards. However, there may also be apprehension regarding the quality of training and skills acquisition that participants engage in through these alternative methods, which could be a point of contention among critics who favor traditional pathways.

Contention

A key point of contention related to SCR122 may arise from how apprenticeship programs are viewed in terms of their effectiveness in preparing individuals for state employment. While supporters emphasize the need for innovative solutions in light of the significant number of vacancies, opponents may argue that modifying qualification criteria could jeopardize the standards of competency required for state roles. Additionally, the requirement for the Department of Human Resources Development to submit a report by January 1, 2024, could also lead to scrutiny over the timelines and proposed solutions for addressing the vacancy crisis.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR80

Urging State Executive Departments To Review Minimum Qualifications And Compensation For Class Specifications For Job Postings And Provide Suggestions To The Department Of Human Resources Development.

HI HR65

Urging State Executive Departments To Review Minimum Qualifications And Compensation For Class Specifications For Job Postings And Provide Suggestions To The Department Of Human Resources Development.

HI HB1645

Relating To State Position Vacancies.

HI HCR211

Urging The Department Of Accounting And General Services And The Department Of Human Resources Development To Evaluate Subsidizing Public Transit For Public Employees.

HI SB2828

Relating To The Conversion Of Positions In The Department Of Accounting And General Services.

HI SCR144

Urging The Department Of Education, University Of Hawaii Community Colleges, And Hawaii P-20 Partnerships For Education To Develop Clear Pathways For Students In Department Of Education Career And Technical Education Academies To Seamlessly Continue Their Education In Career And Technical Education Programs At University Of Hawaii Community Colleges.

HI HR191

Urging The Department Of Accounting And General Services And The Department Of Human Resources Development To Evaluate Subsidizing Public Transit For Public Employees.

HI HCR143

Urging The Department Of Human Services, Department Of Health, And Judiciary To Prioritize Ensuring That Contracts For Government Services Are Adequately Resourced To Cover The Costs Of Providing Those Services.

HI SCR164

Urging The Department Of Agriculture To Establish A Two-year Agricultural Crime Pilot Project To Examine And Assess The Effectiveness Of Prosecuting Agricultural Crime Cases, Including Those Of Agricultural Theft, Vandalism, And Trespass, In The State.

HI HB1417

Relating To Protecting Agency Positions From Elimination Requirement.

Similar Bills

CA SB638

California Education and Workforce Development Coordinating Entity: California Career Technical Education Incentive Grant Program.

CA SB33

California Environmental Quality Act: judicial and administrative proceedings: limitations.

CA AB2358

Apprenticeships: discrimination: prohibition.

CA SB789

California Environmental Quality Act: sports and entertainment project.

CA AB3231

Employment: public works: apprenticeship.

IA SSB1086

A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and establishing an Iowa office of apprenticeship and Iowa apprenticeship council.(See SF 318.)

IA SF318

A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and establishing an Iowa office of apprenticeship and Iowa apprenticeship council. (Formerly SSB 1086.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HSB82

A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and establishing an Iowa office of apprenticeship and Iowa apprenticeship council.(See HF 639.)