HI SB1523

Expands the definition of "employee" under the Hawaii Employment Relations Act to include independent contractors and all individuals subject to the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, removing the previous limitation to only those over whom the National Labor Relations Board has declined jurisdiction.

Removes the exclusion of independent contractors from employee protections under Hawaii labor law to provide broader collective bargaining rights for private sector workers.

Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Labor Relations Board for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to handle the expanded population of protected employees (specific amount not specified in bill text).

Maintains existing exemptions for domestic service workers, parent/spouse-employed individuals, supervisory/executive employees, employers with fewer than two employees, and those subject to the Railway Labor Act of 1926.

Effective date set for July 1, 2050.