The bill proposes a new section to Chapter 78 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which allows employees to take up to two hours of paid leave per calendar year during normal work hours for the purpose of attending a scheduled physical examination with a licensed physician. This time off would not be deducted from vacation or sick leave balances and would take into account travel time as part of the permitted leave. The implementation of this bill is expected to encourage healthier lifestyles among public employees by facilitating easier access to preventative health services.
Summary
SB1088 is a legislative bill aimed at improving public health by providing public employees in Hawaii with paid leave to attend annual physical examinations. The bill recognizes the importance of preventative care and the need for individuals to schedule regular health check-ups, which can significantly reduce health risks. Currently, many public employees do not utilize the available free preventative care options, prompting the need for this incentive.
Contention
The main points of contention related to SB1088 include concerns regarding potential disruptions to normal operations within public agencies due to employee absences. The bill stipulates that the leave should not negatively impact the work unit's functioning or require additional resources from the agency, indicating a balance between employee health incentives and operational efficiency. Additionally, while this bill is generally supportive of public health initiatives, discussions may arise regarding the qualifications for leave eligibility and how it may be perceived regarding workload management within the public sector.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.