Hawaii Introduces New Legislature

Hawaii Governor David Ige signed several bills into law on July 5, including workers compensation, equal pay and antidiscrimination laws. These laws have minimal impact on payroll processing but may affect recruitment processes and benefits.

Equal Pay

S.B. 2351 (Act 108) 

Prohibits prospective employers from requesting or considering a job applicant’s wage or salary history as part of an employment application process or compensation offer. S.B. 2351 becomes effective on January 1, 2019.

Paid Family Leave

S.B. 2990 (Act 109)

The legislation requires the legislative reference bureau to conduct an analysis of the impacts of and best framework for the establishment of paid family leave. The measure also requires a report and proposed legislation to be submitted to the legislature by September 1, 2019. As of July 1, 2018 the bill is effective.

Preserving the Affordable Care Act under Hawaii Laws

S.B. 2340 (Act 111)

The Law ensures certain benefits under the federal Affordable Care Act are preserved under Hawai‘i law, including:

• Extending dependent coverage for adult children up to 26 years old
• Prohibiting health insurance entities from excluding pre-existing conditions
• Prohibiting health insurance entities from using an individual’s gender to determine premiums or contributions.

Takes effect upon approval July 5, 2018. 

Workers’ Compensation Medical Benefits

H.B. 1778 (Act 107)

This legislation improves firefighters’ and employees’ access to comprehensive medical benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Law when a cancer diagnosis is presumed to have developed during the course of employment. H.B. 1778 takes effect upon approval.

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