Relating To Human Resources.
If enacted, HB1646 would authorize the state auditor to conduct a comprehensive examination of various job classifications such as human resources officers and specialists within the defined sectors. The auditor would explore the feasibility and necessity of implementing a licensure or certification requirement and compile a list of accredited human resources programs. Additionally, the bill would require a study to reflect on the expenses involved in complying with such certifications and determine if these costs could be supported by the respective public entities, like the executive branch and educational institutions.
House Bill 1646 aims to evaluate the necessity of requiring licensure or certification for certain human resources job classifications within Hawaii's state executive branch, the Department of Education, and the University of Hawaii system. The bill has been introduced to ensure that the management of human resources in public employment is carried out by qualified professionals who adhere to specific professional standards, which currently is not a requirement in the state. The need for this evaluation arises from the growing significance of human resources in managing workplace environments effectively.
Concerns around HB1646 center on the operational impact that mandatory licensure may have on human resources personnel and the financial burden on state entities. Stakeholders may debate the implications of requiring coursework to be completed during working hours versus personal time, potentially affecting employee availability and productivity. The outcomes of the state auditor’s study, expected to provide findings and recommendations ahead of the 2025 legislative session, will be crucial to address opposition or support for the proposed changes to human resources management standards.