Hawaii Senate Bill SR148

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Analyze The Available Data On Hawaii Workers' Compensation Cases Relating To Death Benefits For The Past Ten Years And Obtain Any Additional Data From The Hawaii Insurers Council Or Any Other State Or Federal Source To Recommend Any Updates To The Workers' Compensation Law.

Impact

The resolution indicates a growing concern regarding the adequacy of Hawaii's Workers' Compensation Law, particularly citing the reliance on outdated actuarial data established as far back as 1963. Changes in societal norms, life expectancy, and family dynamics over the past sixty years suggest that significant updates may be necessary to ensure fair and equitable distribution of benefits. SR148 underscores the need for an informed, data-driven approach to revising these laws, with an expectation for the Department to provide recommendations on updating legislation by the next convening of the Legislature in 2024.

Summary

Senate Resolution 148 (SR148) requests the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations of Hawaii to analyze the data surrounding workers' compensation cases specifically related to death benefits over the last decade. This analysis is critical as it aims to ensure fair compensation for workers' dependents in cases of death that occur due to work-related incidents. The resolution highlights the current distinctions made under Hawaii's Workers' Compensation Law, including those based on the dependency status of surviving family members, which include spouses, children, parents, and grandparents.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SR148 appears to be one of support for updating existing laws to reflect current realities faced by workers and their families. Lawmakers recognize the importance of revisiting this aspect of labor law to address disparities that may arise from outdated measures. There is a consensus that ensuring fair compensation for families of deceased workers is paramount, which may indicate bipartisan support for related measures as they are reviewed and potentially revised.

Contention

While SR148 does not seem to be contentious in nature, it does open the door for discussions regarding the potential impact of any changes to the existing workers' compensation framework. Lawmakers and stakeholders may have differing opinions on what constitutes a fair update, especially regarding how dependents are classified and what benefits they are entitled to. As the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations prepares its findings, it may encounter various viewpoints on the implications of the proposed legislative updates, particularly from insurance bodies and advocacy groups focused on workers' rights.