The 2025 legislative session has come to an end with just a few bills tracked by Hawaii Employers Council transmitted to Governor Green for signature. Of these bills, if enacted, HB477 Relating to the Hawaii Employment Security Law is likely to have the most immediate impact to Hawaii employers because it will make several changes to modernize the unemployment process and exempts or alters work registration requirements to most notably, individuals involved in labor disputes and those suspended from work.
Listed below are some of the significant changes included in HB477:
- Expands or Alters Work Registration Exemptions to union members in good standing, individuals involved in labor disputes, and any employee suspended for work.
- Allows Electronic Communications to claimants and employers to increase efficiency, unless the party opts for notices via mail.
- Repeals Online Posting Requirements.
If passed as law, this bill may affect employers because additional individuals may claim and receive unemployment benefits, which may result in increasing employer contribution rates to the unemployment trust fund.
Governor Green has until June 24, 2025 to notify the Legislature if he intends to veto this law. If vetoed, the Legislature must convene a special session to override the Governor’s veto by a 2/3 vote in each chamber by or before noon on July 9, 2025. If Governor Green does not veto the bill, the majority of the bill takes effect on July 1, 2025 with the electronic notification requirements to take effect on April 1, 2027.
Please view our 2025 Employment Related Bills and Other Bills of Interest – Bills that Passed Legislature to see a summary.
If you missed our joint legislative update event with our friends at the Tax Foundation of Hawaii on May 13, 2025, members may view their legislative tracking sheet to review tax related proposals.
If you have a unionized workforce and are interested in how Hawaii Employers Council can help, please visit our Labor Relations website for information! Our experienced Labor Relations team can help you prepare and negotiate collective bargaining agreements, serve as your spokesperson during negotiations, provide support to comply with applicable collective bargaining agreements, and offer specialized support for strike preparation.