Hawaii Senate Bill SB2821

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/24
• Refer: 1/24/24

Caption

Relating To The Department Of Accounting And General Services.

Impact

This legislative change will amend Chapter 26 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes and allows employees specifically categorized under DAGS to be exempt from the usual civil service recruitment processes. Effectively, these employees will report directly to the comptroller and gain eligibility for various employee benefit programs that apply to state personnel. This adjustment aims to enhance DAGS' ability to respond promptly to staffing needs without adhering to the typical bureaucratic delays caused by traditional hiring methods.

Summary

SB2821 introduces significant changes to state hiring practices specifically for the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS). This bill empowers DAGS to directly hire employees for specific positions, circumventing the traditional requirement of involving the Department of Human Resources Development. The aim of this legislation is to streamline the hiring process within DAGS and create more operational flexibility as the department seeks to staff positions critical to its function.

Contention

The introduction of SB2821 does spark some debate regarding its implications on state employment practices. Critics may argue that bypassing civil service requirements could lead to a less transparent hiring process fraught with potential favoritism and could undermine the integrity of public service employment standards. Meanwhile, supporters believe that the flexibility afforded to DAGS is essential for efficient operation and would allow for competitive staffing amidst increasing demands on its services.