Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR53

Introduced
3/6/24  
Refer
3/8/24  
Introduced
3/6/24  
Report Pass
3/28/24  
Refer
3/8/24  
Report Pass
3/28/24  
Report Pass
4/4/24  
Refer
3/28/24  
Report Pass
4/4/24  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Convene An Underground Economy Interagency Task Force To Combat The Underground Economy And Employee Misclassification In The Construction Industry.

Impact

The establishment of this task force is expected to unearth significant insights into the prevalence of underground economic practices and employee misclassification within Hawaii's construction industry. It aims to provide a comprehensive strategy that would tighten enforcement of existing labor laws and improve accountability for businesses. The Resolution emphasizes how unlawful practices not only exploit vulnerable workers but also pose a considerable threat to lawful businesses that comply with labor, employment, and tax obligations, thereby leveling the playing field in the state’s economy.

Summary

House Resolution 53 (HR53) requests the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations of Hawaii to convene an Underground Economy Interagency Task Force. This task force aims to analyze and combat the underground economy and the misclassification of employees specifically within the construction sector. The underground economy includes a range of illegal activities such as tax evasion, payroll fraud, and wage theft, which can undermine both workers' rights and the integrity of local businesses. By forming this task force, HR53 seeks to address the issues arising from these clandestine economic practices, ultimately protecting workers and legal businesses in Hawaii.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR53 appears supportive, as it is viewed as a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by the underground economy. Advocates appreciate the effort to fortify worker protections and ensure compliance with labor laws, while emphasizing the need for equitable competition among businesses. Nevertheless, there may be lingering concerns regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the task force, particularly regarding how it will balance enforcement with the potential impacts on legitimate businesses that are already compliant with existing regulations.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HR53 may stem from the delicate balance between enforcement and the operational realities of small businesses. While the task force's intended actions to combat illegal practices are welcomed, there is a fear among some stakeholders that excessive scrutiny and enforcement measures might inadvertently burden compliant businesses. Critics may argue for a need to ensure that any strategies employed do not disproportionately affect those entities that adhere to legal standards, generating a tension between regulatory action and economic viability.

Companion Bills

HI HCR68

Same As Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Convene An Underground Economy Interagency Task Force To Combat The Underground Economy And Employee Misclassification In The Construction Industry.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR68

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Convene An Underground Economy Interagency Task Force To Combat The Underground Economy And Employee Misclassification In The Construction Industry.

HI SCR33

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Convene An Interagency Task Force To Combat The Underground Economy And Employee Misclassification In The State's Construction Industry.

HI SR22

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Convene An Interagency Task Force To Combat The Underground Economy And Employee Misclassification In The State's Construction Industry.

HI AB1296

Joint Enforcement Strike Force on the Underground Economy: Labor Enforcement Task Force.

HI SCR96

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Convene A Four-day Work Week Task Force To Evaluate How More Flexible Work Hours And A Four-day Work Week Can Be Implemented For Public Employees In Hawaii.

HI SR89

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Convene A Four-day Work Week Task Force To Evaluate How More Flexible Work Hours And A Four-day Work Week Can Be Implemented For Public Employees In Hawaii.

HI SCR126

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism And The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Co-convene A Working Group To Develop A Comprehensive Plan For Workforce Development With A Focus On The Priority Economic Clusters Established By The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism, To Meet The Needs Of The State's New Economy.

HI SCR147

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Convene A Four-day Work Week Task Force To Evaluate How More Flexible Work Hours And A Four-day Work Week Can Be Implemented For Public Employees In Hawaii.

HI SR131

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Convene A Four-day Work Week Task Force To Evaluate How More Flexible Work Hours And A Four-day Work Week Can Be Implemented For Public Employees In Hawaii.

HI HR48

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Convene A Working Group To Design A Paid Family Leave Program For The State.

Similar Bills

HI HCR68

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Convene An Underground Economy Interagency Task Force To Combat The Underground Economy And Employee Misclassification In The Construction Industry.

HI SR22

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Convene An Interagency Task Force To Combat The Underground Economy And Employee Misclassification In The State's Construction Industry.

HI SCR33

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Convene An Interagency Task Force To Combat The Underground Economy And Employee Misclassification In The State's Construction Industry.

RI H5902

Payment Of Wages

RI S1079

Payment Of Wages

MN HF5217

Labor supplemental budget bill.

MN SF2373

Omnibus Labor policy and appropriations

MN HF2441

Labor and industry finance and policy bill.