Hawaii Senate Bill SCR122

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Engrossed: 4/5/23
• Refer: 4/11/23

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.