Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB477

Introduced
1/21/25  
Refer
1/21/25  
Report Pass
2/13/25  
Refer
2/13/25  
Report Pass
2/27/25  
Engrossed
2/27/25  
Refer
3/4/25  
Report Pass
3/19/25  
Refer
3/19/25  
Report Pass
4/4/25  

Caption

Relating To The Hawaii Employment Security Law.

Impact

The bill directly modifies key sections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) that govern unemployment benefits and the conditions under which they are granted. Among the updates, the provisions clarifying the waiver of work registration requirements for certain populations, like union members or individuals involved in labor disputes, have been significantly altered to increase eligibility and access. The bill also enhances criteria for individuals to claim benefits, shifting towards more flexibility in addressing work search requirements, which is critical during fluctuating employment conditions.

Summary

House Bill 477 aims to amend the Hawaii Employment Security Law, primarily focusing on updating the requirements related to unemployment benefits. The bill proposes changes to the definition of 'registered for work' to enhance job search facilitation by allowing individuals to provide more comprehensive information for job matching. Significant revisions include the removal of the requirement to post work availability online, reflecting a shift towards more streamlined electronic processes for job seekers and state employment services alike.

Sentiment

Discussions around HB 477 have generally reflected a balanced sentiment, with various stakeholders highlighting the potential benefits of more efficient job matching procedures. Proponents argue that reducing bureaucratic hurdles and streamlining processes are positive steps towards addressing unemployment in Hawaii. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the implications of deregulating online job postings, fearing that it may lead to less visibility of employment opportunities for job seekers.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the repealed requirement to maintain online job postings, which has raised questions about transparency and accessibility of job openings. Additionally, discussions have hinted at potential debates within the legislature about how best to balance the need for state efficiency in managing unemployment claims with the needs of local communities to ensure comprehensive support for the unemployed. As the bill progresses, further dialogue around these issues is expected.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

HI SB716

Relating To Hawaii Employment Security Law.

KS HB2570

Substitute for HB 2570 by Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development - Defining benefit year, temporary unemployment, wages and other terms in the employment security law, requiring electronic filing for certain employers, establishing qualifications for employment security board of review candidates, extending the deadline for new accounts following business acquisitions, making certain changes to the employer rate schedules and lowering rates for new employers, enabling employers to report claimant work search issues, confirming legislative coordinating council oversight for the new unemployment insurance information technology system implementation, authorizing the secretary to grant additional temporary unemployment in certain circumstances, requiring the secretary to publish certain information, abolishing the employment security interest assessment fund and providing relief for negative account balance employers.

KS SB478

Defining benefit year, temporary unemployment and other terms in the employment security law, requiring electronic filing for certain employers, establishing qualifications for employment security board of review candidates, extending the deadline for new accounts following business acquisitions, making certain changes to the employer rate schedules, enabling employers to report claimant work search issues, confirming legislative coordinating council oversight for the new unemployment insurance information technology system implementation, authorizing the secretary to grant temporary unemployment, requiring the secretary to annually publish certain data and abolishing the employment security interest assessment fund.

NJ S2949

Revises unemployment compensation law.

NJ A4047

Revises unemployment compensation law.

KS HB2401

Defining "benefit year" and "temporary unemployment" in the employment security law, allowing the extension of temporary unemployment; requiring electronic report filing by certain employers, permitting discretion in appointments and terms for the temporary employment security board of review, delaying new account formation after certain business acquisitions, requiring the new unemployment insurance system to allow employer reports regarding claimant compliance and authorizing the legislative coordinating council to extend new system implementation deadlines.

MS SB2819

Unemployment compensation; MDES Unemployment Data Fraud Prevention Program.

CT HB06451

An Act Improving The Timeliness And Efficiency Of The Department Of Labor's Unemployment Insurance Tax Operations.