Letter dated April 14, 2025, transmitting a proposed conference draft amending H.B. No. 1031, H.D. 1, S.D. 1 to fund the agreement concerning Collective Bargaining Unit 5.

This bill appropriates $7.8 million for fiscal year 2025-2026 and $18.1 million for 2026-2027 (totaling $25.9 million) to fund the state's share of Employer-Union Trust Fund contributions for the collective bargaining agreement with the Hawai'i State Teachers Association for Unit 5 (teachers). It directly affects the state budget and teachers in Unit 5 by providing necessary funding for their negotiated benefits without requiring union ratification. The bill specifies that unspent funds must be used by June 30 of each fiscal year or they will lapse, and it declares the state general fund expenditure ceiling has been exceeded for 2025-2026 due to these appropriations. The funding covers costs for the 2025-2027 biennium as part of implementing the agreement.