Bill > HB163

This bill amends Hawaii's laws regarding travel cost reimbursement for public officers and employees by establishing new requirements for how state and county governments handle travel expenses. The bill allows employees to voluntarily loan money for travel costs to their employer, with the understanding that they will be reimbursed within thirty calendar days after submitting an approved statement of completed travel. If the government cannot reimburse the employee within thirty days, they must pay interest on the total amount owed, with interest compounding every thirty days. The bill also explicitly protects employees from facing adverse employment actions if they choose not to loan money for travel expenses. The legislation defines "approved travel costs" broadly, including transportation, registration fees, per diem allowances, and other necessary travel-related expenses. Additionally, the bill clarifies that in cases of conflict between the new law and existing collective bargaining agreements, the collective bargaining agreement will take precedence. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 3000, which appears to be a placeholder date typical in draft legislation.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=163&year=2026