Bill > SB1568

This bill establishes a new chapter in Hawaii law that requires prevailing wages for human services providers working on state or county contracts exceeding $2,000. The bill defines key terms such as "human services" (which includes social work and case management aimed at improving individuals' lives) and "human services provider" (social workers, case workers, or investigators employed by private organizations). It mandates that these workers must be paid no less than prevailing wages, which include both a basic hourly rate and the cost of fringe benefits like health insurance, vacation, and pension benefits. The legislation requires contractors to pay workers at least weekly, post wage rates, and submit certified payroll records to the government. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is tasked with determining prevailing wage rates and enforcing the law. The bill includes a progressive penalty structure for violations, ranging from financial penalties for first-time offenders to potential three-year suspensions from government contracts for repeated violations. Workers are also protected with provisions for overtime compensation, the right to file civil actions to recover unpaid wages, and confidentiality for those reporting violations. The law applies to contracts with governmental agencies and aims to ensure fair compensation for human services workers in Hawaii.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1568&year=2025