Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB1349

Introduced

1/23/25

Refer

1/27/25

Report Pass

2/7/25

Refer

2/7/25

Caption

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

Impact

The provisions of SB1349 will directly affect state employment statutes by ensuring that state employees receive the salary increases and cost adjustments outlined in the agreements made with their representatives. By confirming the necessity of certain appropriations to meet public interest needs, the bill aims to address staffing concerns within state departments and improve compensation structures. However, the bill also notes that it exceeds the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2025-2026, which may prompt discussions regarding fiscal responsibility and budget management within the legislature.

Summary

SB1349, also known as the Public Employment Cost Items bill, is designed to appropriate funds necessary for collective bargaining cost items for the fiscal biennium of 2025-2027. This legislation aims to ensure that salary increases and cost adjustments are met for state employees who are part of collective bargaining unit (4), as well as those employees excluded from collective bargaining but belonging to the same compensation plans. By authorizing funds from various sources, including state and federal funds, the bill seeks to provide adequate financial support to meet the negotiated agreements with the exclusive bargaining representative.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment towards SB1349 appears to be supportive among those who advocate for fair wages and the fulfillment of collective bargaining agreements. Proponents see it as a necessary step toward equitable compensation for public employees, thus bolstering the morale and productivity of the state workforce. On the other hand, concerns regarding the exceedance of the general fund expenditure ceiling create an atmosphere of caution amidst fiscal conservatism, pointing to potential dissent among those worried about long-term state financial health.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SB1349 involves the balance between necessary appropriations for employee compensation and the implications of exceeding established expenditure ceilings. While supporters emphasize the importance of adequately funding public employment agreements, opponents may argue that such funding decisions should not compromise overall state budget sustainability. The potential impact of this bill on future budgetary constraints and state fiscal policy could ignite debates on prioritizing employee welfare against responsible financial governance.

Companion Bills

HI SB1349

Carry Over Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

Previously Filed As

HI SB1349

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

HI SB1353

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

HI SB1351

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

HI SB1350

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

HI SB1358

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

HI SB1356

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

HI SB1352

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

HI SB1347

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

HI SB1357

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

HI SB1354

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

Similar Bills

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.