Committee widens public-sector internship eligibility, removes 'full time' restriction

The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology on Feb. 13 passed SB2231 with amendments to broaden an existing state internship and workforce development program to include the legislative and judicial branches and to expand eligible placements.

Christine Boli, University of Hawaii system director of workforce development, testified in support and the committee adopted UH-proposed amendments. The chair said the committee would delete the words "full time" from the bill to allow part-time placements and to broaden eligibility rather than limit placement length or GPA-related constraints.

Department of Labor and Industrial Relations staff said they are committed to working with the Legislature to strengthen the program, and the Hawaii Primary Care Association registered support.

The committee adopted the chair's recommendation in a voice vote and changed the effective date in the draft to 01/01/2077.