RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Kurt Fevella

SB 1614 strengthens collective bargaining rights for adult corrections officers in Hawaii, improving their working conditions, benefits, and workplace safety.

Carried over to 2024 Regular Session.

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Purpose and Intent

SB 1614 aims to enhance collective bargaining rights for adult corrections officers and other correctional workers within the Department of Corrections (DCR) in Hawaii. The bill seeks to address the unique challenges faced by these workers in their roles, ensuring they have a voice in negotiations regarding their employment conditions, benefits, and workplace safety.

Key Provisions

Collective Bargaining Rights: The bill emphasizes the importance of collective bargaining for adult corrections officers and correctional workers, aiming to strengthen their negotiating power.

Amendments: The bill has undergone several amendments throughout its legislative journey, reflecting input from various committees and stakeholders. Specific details of these amendments are not provided in the summary but are intended to refine the bill's provisions for better implementation.

Support for Workers: The legislation is designed to improve working conditions, compensation, and benefits for correctional staff, recognizing their critical role in maintaining safety and order within correctional facilities.

Affected Parties

Adult Corrections Officers: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are adult corrections officers who work in state correctional facilities.

Correctional Workers: Other employees within the corrections division, including support staff and administrative personnel, may also benefit from enhanced collective bargaining provisions.

Department of Corrections (DCR): The DCR will be responsible for implementing the changes outlined in the bill, which may involve adjustments to current policies and practices.

Legislative Timeline

Introduced: January 23, 2025

First Reading: January 27, 2025

Public Hearings: Multiple public hearings have been scheduled, with significant discussions occurring on February 7, 2025, and February 10, 2025.

Committee Recommendations: The bill has passed through various committees, including the House Committee on Labor and the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (WAM), with recommendations for passage and amendments.

Current Status: As of February 14, 2025, the bill has passed its second reading and is currently referred to the WAM for further consideration.

Related Legislation

Companion Bill: HB 1409 serves as a companion to SB 1614, indicating parallel legislative efforts to address similar issues regarding collective bargaining for correctional workers.

This summary provides an overview of SB 1614, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and legislative progress. The bill represents a significant step toward improving the working conditions and rights of those serving in the corrections field in Hawaii.

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