HI HB848

Establishes employer contributions to the Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund as a fixed percentage of the health benefits plan or life insurance plan premium cost, replacing the prior method of negotiating specific dollar amounts.

Removes health benefits trust fund contributions from the scope of collective bargaining negotiations, making them non-negotiable items in labor agreements between the State, counties, and public employee unions.

Eliminates the requirement that arbitration panels resolve disputes over employer contribution amounts, removing the previous legislative process for determining contributions when parties could not reach agreement.

Makes conforming amendments to Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 89-2, 89-9, and 89-11 to reflect that health benefits contributions are no longer subject to collective bargaining or arbitration procedures.

Amends Act 234, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024, to clarify that repricing negotiations under that Act may continue beyond its June 30, 2029 repeal date if commenced before that date, with sections 89-9 and 89-11 amendments surviving the repeal.