STAND. COM. REP. NO.  49

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 1493

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Labor & Public Employment, to which was referred H.B. No. 1493 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION COMMISSION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to ensure proper staffing of the Crime Victim Compensation Commission (Commission) by:

     (1)  Exempting Commission staff from civil service                  requirements; and

     (2)  Allowing Commission staff to maintain their right to               collective bargaining.

     The Commission testified in support of this bill.

     The Commission was established in 1967 to mitigate the physical, emotional, and financial impact suffered by victims of violent crime.  Unfortunately, the need for a specialized staff has often made if difficult for the Commission to attract and retain qualified individuals that meet state civil service requirements.  This measure will ensure proper staffing of the Commission, allowing the Commission to better serve Hawaii's victims of violent crime.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor & Public Employment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1493 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor & Public Employment,

____________________________

ALEX M. SONSON, Chair