Department of Labor and Industrial Relations - Other Initiatives

HB1125, SB943: RELATING TO CERTAIN FUNDS UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
Re-classifies the following special funds as trust funds in response to a recommendation from the Hawaii State Auditor: Special Compensation Fund, Special Fund for Disability Benefits, Special Premium Supplementation Fund, and the Unemployment Compensation Fund. Appropriates $5 million from the Special Fund for Disability Benefits to support the automation of the Disability Compensation Division.

HB1126, SB944: RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION
Reduces the cost of doing business in the State by giving certain small business owners, such as sole proprietors and partnerships, the option not to obtain workers compensation coverage.

HB1127, SB945: RELATING TO UNEMPLOYMENT  INSURANCE
Reduces the cost of doing business in the State by permanently adjusting the reserve balances that must be retained in the State unemployment insurance account and permanently increasing the maximum weekly benefit amount for unemployed insurance claimants.

HB1128, SB946: RELATING TO LIFELONG LEARNING ACCOUNTS
Supports upgraded training for incumbent workers by establishing a Lifelong Learning Accounts program in the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

HB1129, SB947: RELATING TO UNEMPLOYMENT CONTRIBUTION RATES
Conforms Hawai`i′s unemployment insurance law to federal law regarding how unemployment experience rates will be calculated for employers who transfer employees to another company.

HB1130, SB948:  RELATING TO THE BOILER AND ELEVATOR SAFETY LAW
Improves the Department of Labor’s ability to conduct more efficient inspections of boilers, pressure systems, amusement rides, elevators, and kindred equipment by allowing the Department to consider factors such as the age and maintenance of the equipment when determining the frequency of inspection.