Bill > SB1523

This bill aims to expand collective bargaining rights for private sector workers in Hawaii by modifying the definition of "employee" in the Hawaii Employment Relations Act. Specifically, the bill removes the previous exclusion of independent contractors from the definition of employees and includes all individuals subject to the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, regardless of whether the National Labor Relations Board has exercised jurisdiction over them. The legislature's motivation stems from concerns about potential loss of collective bargaining rights due to "Project 2025" and recognizes the significant benefits of unionization, including Hawaii's high union membership rate of 24.1% in 2023. The bill highlights that unionization contributes to the state's economic growth by creating higher wages, increasing consumer spending, improving workplace safety, enhancing health and retirement benefits, and reducing income inequality. To support the implementation of these expanded protections, the bill appropriates funds for the Hawaii Labor Relations Board to serve the expanded population of protected employees, with the changes set to take effect on July 1, 2050.

Justice, Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1523&year=2026