Hawaii Senate Bill SB722

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/27/23
• Report Pass: 2/17/23
• Report Pass: 3/3/23
• Refer: 2/17/23
• Engrossed: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/9/23
• Report Pass: 3/24/23
• Refer: 3/24/23

Caption

Relating To Occupational Safety And Health.

Impact

The legislation is likely to have a profound impact on existing occupational safety regulations by creating dedicated financial resources that will improve staffing and training in the enforcement of health and safety laws. By ensuring that the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has access to these targeted funds, the bill seeks to enhance overall workplace safety across various sectors and contribute to a more knowledgeable workforce. Furthermore, it establishes a framework where unencumbered balances in the fund can eventually bolster the state's general fund.

Summary

SB722 proposes the establishment of a 'Workforce Safety and Health Special Fund' within the state treasury of Hawaii, aimed at enhancing occupational safety and health initiatives. It allows for the allocation of funds through various sources such as fees and civil penalties collected under related statutes. This new fund is intended to support personnel and operational costs as well as staff development and training programs within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Contention

However, the bill's passage is not without contention. Critics may argue that funneling funds from civil penalties into a special fund could deter enforcement actions if entities perceive potential financial consequences as merely a resource for state use rather than an enforcement measure. Additionally, there could be debates regarding the transparency and accountability concerning how the funds are utilized and whether they effectively address the pressing safety and health challenges faced in workplaces.