SB 2286 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to contract with private-sector employers and registered apprenticeship program sponsors to provide on-the-job training to eligible interns, with reimbursements up to $20.00 per hour for wages only.

• Establishes intern eligibility requirements including age 16+, criminal history record check, Hawaii residency, high school diploma or enrollment, and GPA of 2.5+ for college students within one year of graduation or enrollment.

• Requires employers to comply with minimum wage laws, provide mentorship, ensure interns do not displace current workers, limit participation to five interns per employer, and maintain worksite safety and compliance standards.

• Mandates the State serve as the responsible employer for workers' compensation coverage for students and recent graduates in the program, with coverage for recent graduates ending February 28 following graduation or when internship ends, whichever is earlier.

• Appropriates funds from the general revenues for the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to administer the program; effective July 1, 3000.