Bill > SB183

This bill modifies provisions related to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF), which manages health insurance and group life insurance benefits for state and county employees. Specifically, the bill allows arbitration to resolve impasses and disputes about the amounts of State and county contributions to the EUTF, which was previously prohibited. The bill removes language that previously restricted how contribution amount disagreements would be handled, including eliminating the requirement for parties to submit recommendations to the legislature and removing the strict prohibition against strikes by bargaining unit members on the issue of contribution amounts. Under the new provisions, arbitration decisions about EUTF contributions will be final and binding, and the parties can mutually amend the arbitration panel's decision. The bill maintains that any implemented items still require appropriate legislative appropriations, and the employer must submit applicable items to legislative bodies within ten days of reaching an agreement. The effective date is listed as July 1, 3000 (which appears to be a placeholder date), and the bill makes technical changes to the language of existing statutes to reflect these modifications.

Budget and Finance, Justice, Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=183&year=2026