Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB1351

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

One significant impact of SB 1351 is its declaration regarding the state's general fund expenditure ceiling, which is stated to already be exceeded by about $8,551,796 for FY 2025-2026. The bill indicates that further appropriations will continue to exceed this expenditure ceiling. This situation raises concerns about budget management and the financial sustainability of state funding practices, which could have implications for future fiscal policies and resource allocations within Hawaii's state government.

Summary

Senate Bill 1351 addresses the funding of public employment cost items, specifically focusing on collective bargaining agreements negotiated for the members of bargaining unit (6) and their counterparts excluded from collective bargaining. The bill outlines the appropriation of funds necessary to support these agreements for the fiscal biennium spanning 2025-2027. The funds allocated will be dispersed by the director of finance to the relevant state departments for their expenditures within the designated fiscal years. This approach aims to ensure that the agreements reached are honored and funded appropriately.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB 1351 may reflect a recognition of the importance of honoring collective bargaining agreements for state employees, indicating a supportive stance towards public employment rights and financial sustainability. However, the acknowledgment of exceeding the expenditure ceiling triggers a cautionary note among fiscal conservatives who may view such matters with skepticism, highlighting the balancing act between employee compensation and responsible budgeting.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB 1351 include concerns over the implications of exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling. While support for public employment and cost item appropriations tends to resonate positively among labor advocates, the potential financial strain on the state's budget raises red flags for those advocating for fiscal conservatism. This dichotomy reflects wider disputes over how public funds should be utilized and the prioritization of financial responsibility against the rights and needs of public workers.

Companion Bills

HI SB1351

Carry Over Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

Previously Filed As

HI SB1351

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

HI SB1352

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

HI HB1033

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

HI SB1353

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 HB1031

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

HI HB1032

Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.

HI HB1037

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.