HI HB1236

Repeals the exclusion of legislative branch staff from coverage under Hawaii's collective bargaining law (Chapter 89, Hawaii Revised Statutes), allowing them to unionize and collectively bargain.

Adds the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives as voting members in collective bargaining negotiations for bargaining units that include legislative employees, each holding one vote if they have employees in the particular unit.

Allows legislative employees to choose whether to collectively bargain; the bill does not require unionization.

Notes that other states (Maine, Oregon, and California) have already granted legislative staff collective bargaining rights, and cites the constitutional right to organize under Article XIII, Section 2 of the Hawaii State Constitution.

Takes effect upon approval.