The Hawaii legislative session faces a critical deadline as the second lateral deadline has passed on March 24. This date marked the last opportunity for any bill to move to its final assigned committee in the non-originating chamber. All committee hearings need completion with bills crossing back over to their originating chamber by April 13. Failing to meet these deadlines results in a bill being considered “dead” for the current legislative session.
Four high-priority bills remain under consideration for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in this session:
HB 1409 addresses employee benefits by extending the family leave period for up to eight weeks. This extension applies to employees unable to perform duties due to childbirth necessitating neonatal intensive care unit stays. It compels the Department of Health to modify its rules to recognize neonatal care as a related medical condition.
SB 753 focuses on accessibility, mandating that retail establishments with employee toilet facilities allow customers with eligible medical conditions access to restrooms during normal business hours, under specific conditions, and establish fines for non-compliance.
SB 1057 tackles employment earnings, requiring job listings to display an hourly rate or salary range. It prohibits discriminatory wage practices among employees based on any protected category as established under state law.
SB 1522 relates to economic development, proposing the establishment of an Office of Destination Management within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. It requires the implementation of certain county destination management action plans, the repeal of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, and the establishment of a tourism liaison officer within the governor’s office. This bill also involves appropriating funds.
If any of these bills successfully cross back to the originating chamber, they will either be approved or sent to conference. In conference, select House and Senate members will negotiate a final draft of the bill. Failure to reach an agreement will result in the bill being “dead” for the session. The Hawaii state team continues efforts on these high-priority bills.
Photo courtesy of the Hawaii State Legislature website.
