Hawaii Senate Bill SB90

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/25
• Refer: 1/16/25

Caption

Relating To A Compensatory Time Cash-out Pilot Program.

Impact

If enacted, SB90 will directly influence state labor laws surrounding employee compensatory time in the corrections sector. It outlines a voluntary program where employees can receive a cash allowance for up to 75% of their accrued compensatory time off at the end of each fiscal quarter. The interpretation of this allowance will likely enhance workforce engagement and retention by reducing the need for extensive overtime and addressing worker burnout effectively.

Summary

Senate Bill 90 establishes a three-year compensatory time cash-out pilot program specifically for employees of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation working in state correctional facilities. The bill aims to tackle the increasing rate of absenteeism in high-stress positions by allowing eligible employees to cash out a portion of their accrued compensatory time off. This initiative is expected to incentivize good attendance and improve the overall operation of correctional facilities, which often struggle with staffing shortages due to burnout and overtime issues.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the implementation of this bill, particularly in how it affects collective bargaining and employee rights to compensatory time. Stakeholders, including employee unions, may express concerns about the voluntary nature of participation and the potential short-term financial implications of cashing out compensatory time rather than allowing full accrual for future use. Additionally, the legislation requires the department to submit annual reports over three years to provide insights into the program's effectiveness, including impacts on overtime and overall employee well-being.