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Senate keeps 5‑day paid family leave bill alive for state and county workers, adds bargaining protections
Summary
The Senate moved forward SB 342 to provide five days of paid family leave for state and county employees, preserving collective‑bargaining protections and adding negotiating language; supporters called it a meaningful first step while others urged a more robust program.
Senate Bill 342, proposing five days of paid family leave annually for state and county employees, was advanced by the Senate Committee on Labor and Technology on Feb. 10 with amendments preserving collective‑bargaining protections and inserting negotiating language.
Director Jean Butai of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said the measure would help attract and retain employees. “I think this measure will enhance our ability to attract and retain good quality employees,” Butai said.
Supporters included the United Hawaii Public Employees Association and the Hawaii State Teachers Association, which described the bill as a “meaningful first step.” Sarah Beamer for UHPA said five days can still be impactful for someone caring for a loved one and would not prevent further legislative discussion of a more extensive program.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Director of Finance testified in opposition, citing fiscal concerns for their departments. The committee added technical amendments, a defective date of July 1, 2050, and “notwithstanding” language to clarify applicability alongside collective‑bargaining agreements (referencing sections of state law governing bargaining). The committee passed the measure out of committee and kept the vehicle alive for further action.
