HI SB924

Preserves health insurance contributions, vacation and sick leave accrual, pension and retirement benefits, and deferred compensation for state employees placed on furloughs during fiscal years 2009-2013.

Defines furlough as temporary involuntary placement of an employee in nonpay and nonduty status and applies protections to employees of all state departments, including education and the University of Hawaii.

Mandates that furloughs shall not break employment continuity or reduce any rights, privileges, or benefits employees are entitled to by law.

Reaffirms the governor's inherent and explicit authority to implement furlough programs as a budget reduction measure.

Effective upon approval to address the state's projected $1.76 billion budget deficit without eliminating employee protections.