March 14 – State legislation passed the middle of this year's session on Thursday, tipping bills that would expedite the redevelopment of the Aloha Stadium, legalize recreational cannabis, and expand access to abortions and lethal doses of medication for terminally ill patients . Given COVID-19 and its economic impact, lawmakers have put a number of income-generating bills on hold, including measures to increase capital gains tax, corporate taxes, and taxes on high-end property sales, as well as a proposal to increase income tax for the top earners of the state increase to the highest in the nation. The bills that live have passed at least one chamber; Failed invoices have stalled on a committee or never received a hearing within internal deadlines – but that doesn't mean they can't be resuscitated later. – GOVERNMENT Approves State Budget HB 2200, HD 1 / SB 2075, SD 1 Approves $ 15.4 billion spending on government operations for the year beginning July 1 and $ 2.35 billion for construction spending in fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Additional Expenses are included in numerous budget plans that are separately managed by the legislature.
HART Board SB 998, SD 1 Allows directors of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, appointed by the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, to vote.
Claims against the state SB 1039, SD 1 Provides means for settling claims against the state.
Publicly Supported Employees HB 718, HD 1 Requests the Department of Human Services to compile information on employers whose employees receive public support, such as: B. Medicaid, including the 50 employers with the highest number of such employees. The bill aims to identify employers who have "abused public aid programs" by offering their workers low wages and poor benefits with the expectation that they will subsidize their income through public aid programs.
Campaign Spend Act SB 635 Allows the Campaign Spend Commission to file a complaint related to violations of the Campaign Spend Act, even if the commission has already fined the person. Increases the amount of time someone is banned from performing public office from four years to 10 after being convicted of violating the Campaign Spending Act.
Aloha Stadium SB 1423, SD 2 Accelerates the renovation of the Aloha Stadium. Grants special powers to the stadium authority that manages the stadium, including ownership of the property and extensive redevelopment and procurement tools. Creates a special fund for stadium development.
Public Land Leases SB 257, SD 2 Allows the Board of Land and Natural Resources to extend certain public land leases for commercial, industrial, resort and mixed use for a maximum of 65 years through a pilot program.
Faulty HART board HB 1288 / SB 1324 Excluded are ex officio board members of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation who are not entitled to vote from the count for the purpose of quorum. These members are appointed by the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Voting age HB 449 / SB 824 Proposes a constitutional amendment to reduce the voting age from 18 to 16 years.
Grants SB 556, SD 1 Prohibits an organization that has a current legislator on its board of directors from being eligible for the state grant program which typically awards millions of grants to nonprofit organizations each year. – TAXES Handover Income Tax SB 56, SD 1 Collects a 16% tax on individuals earning more than $ 200,000 per year, head of households earning more than $ 300,000, and joint applicants earning more than $ 400,000. The income brackets are currently taxed at 11%. Increases capital gains tax, corporate income tax, and taxes on quality property sales.
Unemployment Fund HB 1278 Limits the amount companies must pay into the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund for fiscal years 2021 and 2022. Covers 50% of the base period entitlements for reimbursement from employers. (Governor David Ige signed the bill on March 3rd.)
Inheritance Tax HB 445, HD 1 Reduces the inheritance amount excluded from state tax to less than the current $ 5.49 million, with the threshold to be set.
Capital gains tax HB 133, HD 1 Increases the threshold value for capital gains tax from 7.25% from tax year 2021 to 9%.
Tobacco Products SB 1147, SD 2 Taxes e-liquid and electronic smoking devices in accordance with the Cigarette Tax and Tobacco Tax Act. Increases the license fee for cigarette and tobacco products dealers and the retail license fee for cigarette and tobacco products sellers.
HB 485, HD 1 rental car Increases vehicle surcharge tax from USD 5 to an amount yet to be determined.
Climate Change HB 433, HD 1 Collects a daily climate change mitigation fee for rental cars and pays the fees into the general fund by July 2024. After that, they will be placed in a special fund to curb climate change.
Union Trust Fund SB 1087, SD 1 Temporary suspension of the requirement that public employers make annual contributions to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund by fiscal year 2025. The aim is to give the state flexibility in removing budgetary constraints while the economy recovers.
Liquor License HB 137, HD 1 Requires that violations of the Liquor Tax Law be investigated by the Department of Taxation in lieu of County Liquor Commissions.
Incorrect tax credit HB 432 Extends the tax credit for low-income workers by five years; The credit expires on December 31, 2022.
Unemployment SB 614, SD2 Exemption from State Income Tax Unemployment Allowance received between March 1 and December 31, 2020.
Sugar Tax HB 994, SB 1148 Imposes a tax of 2 cents per ounce on soda and other sugary beverages.
Alcoholic beverages SB 1232, SD1; HB 771 levies a tax of 10 cents per drink on alcoholic beverages from July 1 to June 30, 2024.
Minimum Wage HB 4 Establishes a temporary small business tax credit for qualified employers to offset the cost of providing health insurance to employees with incomes less than $ 50,000. Credit will be revoked on July 30, 2027. Increases the minimum wage in yearly increments, starting with an increase to $ 11.50 per hour on January 1, 2022 and $ 17 per hour on January 1, 2026, and setting an adjusted minimum wage for 2027 and beyond. Save the tip. – EDUCATION Passing COVID-19 notification SB 811 The Ministry of Education must publish a weekly report on schools reporting COVID-19 cases. The department is currently reporting on complex areas.
Informatik SB 242, SD 2 Requires that informatics content or courses in elementary and middle schools be offered gradually over a period of four years. Establishes a special fund for IT.
Teacher Salaries SB 270, SD 2 / HB 613, HD 2 Uses funds to support federal coronavirus to offset budget cuts that would otherwise result in layoffs or wage cuts for unionized school-level workers.
Bullying HB 225, HD 2 The BOE must develop an action plan to prevent and combat bullying. Repeal Act 214, Constitutional Laws of Hawaii 2011.
Measures against sexual abuse SB 518, SD 2 Calls on the DOE to set up and implement an education program to prevent sexual abuse for pupils in public schools, to train teachers and employees accordingly, and to inform parents and guardians about important issues relating to the sexual abuse of children.
Sustainable goals SB 1311, SD 2 calls on the DOE to set goals for food waste and zero-emission vehicles as part of the initiative for sustainable schools.
Marine Safety SB 508 Requires the DOE to establish and administer an ocean security and management education program for all fourth grade students.
Scholarships HB 1291, HD 1 Allows public school students who have qualified in special education for at least two years and who have maintained a 3.0 grade point average in high school to receive scholarships through the Hawaii State Scholars Program and Community College Hawaii Promise Program.
Financial Competency SB 1004 From the 2021-2022 school year, the DOE must include financial literacy instruction in the requirements of the personal / transition plan for each student.
Erroneous Income Tax Credit HB 791, HD 1 Establishes a government income tax credit for certain expenses incurred by teachers, trainers, counselors, principals, or pre-school aides up to grade 12.
UH Land Use SB 1224 / HB 1070 Provides a framework to support consistent land use planning and development throughout the University of Hawaii system and enables project partnerships.
Campus Security HB 691 / SB 727 UH is required to provide training on the effects of trauma on employees responsible for incident investigation and support for victims of sexual and domestic violence. Improves access to confidential support services. Calls on UH to provide annual reports to students and staff on sexual and domestic violence prevention and disclosure protocols. As far as possible, requires a private college or university to implement identical security and accountability standards for the campus as for UH. – CONSUMER PROTECTION / LABOR Passing Minimum Wage SB 676 Raises State Minimum Wage to USD 12 in July 2022.
Deepfakes SB 309 Makes it a class C crime to intentionally manipulate images known as deepfakes – edited images of videos created with computer software that virtually removes a person's face from an existing image and onto the Another person's body sticks.
Online data protection HB 125, HD 2 Introduction of the unified online data protection act for employees and students, which protects the online accounts of employees, potential employees, unpaid interns, applicants, students and potential students of employers and educational institutions.
Catalytic converters HB 446 Classifies catalytic converter theft as a Class C crime. Requests sellers to provide contact information and vehicle records to the buyer. Urges buyers of catalytic converters from sellers who fail to provide the necessary documents to refuse the sale and report the attempted sale to the police. Imposes fines ranging from $ 100 to $ 2,000 for buyers who fail to comply.
Teleworking SB 830 Asks state departments to establish a policy for teleworking and alternative work schedules. Sets the minimum percentage of eligible employees who must telework or use an alternate work schedule policy, and requires departments to allow caregivers to telework or use an alternate work schedule.
Housing HB 1376 Extends the deadline for notification of summary ownership from five to 15 days. Asks landlords to mediate and delays in seeking property ownership, if tenant is planning or attempting to mediate.
Gender Representation SB 193, SD 1 Requires domestic domestic companies to have a gender-specific board of directors. Establishes reporting requirements for the Ministry of Trade and Consumer Protection and Penalties.
Mobile Apps HB 1253, HD 3 Prohibits employers, with certain exceptions, from requiring employees to download mobile applications to employees' personal communication devices, terminating or otherwise discriminating against employees for refusing to download mobile applications, or dismissing employees for filing or to discriminate against complaints regarding these illegal practices.
Child actor SB 670, SD 1 Allows minors under the age of 16 to work in the theater, provided the employer provides a valid certificate of employment and the minor is accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult. Calls on the employer to hire a nurse with basic life support to accompany, supervise and stand up for babies under 1 years of age who are on set. Ensures that a studio teacher is present to accompany, teach and care for the health, safety and wellbeing of school-age minors during periods when the minors are legally required to attend school. – PUBLIC SECURITY Passing Oahu Prison SB 664, SD 1 Required The Department of Public Security is to develop a new Oahu Community Correctional Center to house inmates. Prohibits the state from delegating prison operations to a private company.
Cannabis possession SB 758, SD 1 Decriminalizes possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis from the current 3 grams. Allows clearing of convictions for possession of up to 1 ounce of cannabis.
Legal Cannabis SB 767, SD 2 Legalizes the personal use, possession and sale of cannabis and authorizes the sale of cannabis in approved establishments.
No Knock Warrants SB 726 Prohibits "no knock warrants" by requiring law enforcement agencies to wait at least 30 seconds after announcing their presence before entering a home, shop, or other building. Requires officers issuing an arrest warrant to do so in uniform.
Child Sexual Abuse HB 570, HD 2 Allows child sexual abuse victims to bring civil actions against their perpetrator up to the victim's 68th birthday, regardless of when the abuse took place. Extends the statute of limitations for victims to bring claims against an institution, school, or company that employed the perpetrator until April 2024, and allows the victim to claim triple damages.
Rogue Walker SB 700, SD 2 Allows government agencies to bill walkers for search and rescue if they run into trouble leaving a trail or hiking in an area closed to the public.
Fireworks Fines HB 508 Doubles fines for illegal fireworks and increases fines for antennas from $ 2,000 to $ 4,000.
Fireworks Pollution HB 1246 Fireworks violations are subject to federal air and noise pollution laws, which can result in additional fines.
Failed Seizure of Civil Law Assets SB 294 / HB 659 Prohibits law enforcement agencies from seizing assets unless the owner of the property has been convicted of a crime related to the property. Diverts the proceeds from the sale of seized assets from law enforcement to the general fund.
Discrimination SB 544 Enables civil actions in cases where someone, based on their beliefs about race, religion, gender, gender identity or other personal characteristics, calls the police about another person when there is no reason to suspect criminal behavior or imminent danger to person or property suspect .
Police Reform HB 428 Requires that a law enforcement officer who observes another officer’s criminal conduct report it. Requires law enforcement officers to undergo psychological screening. Prohibits chokeholds unless the use of lethal force is justified.
Police equipment SB 30 Prohibits the police authorities from acquiring certain military equipment, such as B. Unmanned aerial vehicles with weapons; Aircraft designed for combat; and grenade launchers. Prohibits law enforcement agencies from using rubber bullets and other projectiles, as well as tear gas, mustard gas, and other chemical preparations on demonstrators. – HEALTH / SOCIAL SERVICES Delivery of abortions HB 576, HD 3 Allows registered nurses in advanced practices to perform abortions.
Medical Aid When Dying SB 839, SD 2 Allows licensed nurses in advanced practices to prescribe medication for terminally ill patients who wish to end their lives under the Our Care, Our Choice Act. Shortens the waiting time for receiving the deadly drugs from 20 to 15 days and eliminating the waiting time for terminally ill patients who are not expected to survive the mandatory waiting period.
DHHL Cannabis SB 86, SD 3 The Department of Health must issue medical cannabis pharmacy licenses to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to enable beneficiaries to generate higher revenues. Calls on DHHL to investigate the feasibility and revenue of medical cannabis dispensaries, limited gaming, and other potential sources of income in Hawaiian home countries.
Emancipation SB 821, SD 2 Allows a minor to file an application for emancipation at the family court at the age of 16. Allows the court to require the minor's parent or guardian to pay for any court-ordered services, including legal services and mental health care.
Low-cost houses SB 1, SD 2 Creates the ALOHA house program for the development of low-cost houses on state and district properties in urban redevelopment areas. The houses would be bought by Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. sold on lease.
Seniors and Crime HB 490, HD 2 Reduces the age at which increased penalties can be imposed for crimes against seniors from 62 to 60 years.
Tobacco Fund HB 1296, HD 1 Cancels the Tobacco Prevention and Control Trust Fund, transfers income to the general fund, and provides general funding for tobacco prevention to the Ministry of Health.
Food Safety HB 770, HD 1 Creates a task force that makes recommendations to ensure that Hawaii's food imports are imported, stored and distributed in accordance with Federal Food Safety Modernization Act. Develop recommendations to ensure that all foods and brands imported into Hawaii do not mislead or confuse the public.
Mammograms SB 827, SD 2 / HB 564 Increases the categories of women to be covered for mammography screenings. Requires existing health insurance mandate to cover low-dose mammography, including digital mammography and breast tomosynthesis.
Failing "Magic" Mushrooms SB 738 decriminalizes psychedelic mushrooms and requires government health authorities to develop treatment centers where people can consume their active ingredients in a controlled environment as a treatment option for mental disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
DOH / Nursing Homes HB 488 / SB 835 The Ministry of Health must publish inspection reports of nursing homes on its website within five working days of the completion of the inspection. – ENVIRONMENT Adopted Green Amendment SB 502, SD 2 Adds an amendment to the Hawaii Constitution A Bill of Rights mandating everyone has the right to "a clean and healthy environment, including pure water, air and healthy ecosystems" .
Coastal Property HB 554, HD 2 Asks sellers to indicate if a property is within the range for sea level rise set by the Hawaii Climate Change and Adaptation Commission.
Shark Protection HB 553 HD 2 Makes catching, entangling or killing a shark an offense punishable by a fine of $ 500 for a first offense, $ 2,000 for a second offense, and $ 10,000 for a third offense.
Vehicles HB 552, HD 1 The aim is to convert 100% of the state's light commercial vehicles to renewable energy sources by December 2035.
Energy efficiency HB 550, HD 2 Sets the goal of reducing electricity consumption in government institutions by at least 25% and sets deadlines for government institutions to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures. Requires new government facilities to be built to apply energy and water efficiency standards and use materials that will reduce the project's carbon footprint.
Lay nets HB 1018, HD 2 Requires fishermen using lay nets to obtain approval from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Crustaceans HB 1017, HD 1 Removes the legal prohibition on taking or killing lobsters, Kona crabs and Samoan crabs.
Ocean Fee HB 1019, HD 2 Allows the DLNR to collect visitor fees for the use of the state's marine resources, with the money being used to protect and restore the seas.
Sea Level Rise HB 243 / SB 371 Requires government agencies to identify existing and planned facilities susceptible to sea level rise, flooding and natural hazards and to evaluate mitigation options. Increases coordination between sea level adjustment agencies.
Sunscreen SB 132, SD 2 Prohibits the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing avobenzone or octocrylene, chemicals that can damage the marine ecosystem, without a prescription.
Failing sandbags and tarpaulin SB 1310 / HB 246 Urges owners to remove emergency sandbags and tarpaulin they have installed on the public beach to protect homes, resorts and condominiums from coastal erosion after three years. Increases fines for homeowners and contractors who install protection without government approval.
Coastal Retreat HB 1373 Creates a Revolving Beach Preservation Fund and Funding Pilot Program to assist coastal property owners in relocating Mauka with expected zones of sea level rise and risk of erosion.
Plastic waste HB 1316 Prohibits restaurants from providing plastic utensils unless this is requested by the consumer. – COVID-19 transfer of emergency powers SB 134, SD 1 Prohibits the governor or mayor from suspending requests for public records or important statistics during a declared state of emergency.
Sunshine Law SB 1034, SD 1 Expands board and public participation by allowing directors, in conjunction with face-to-face meetings, to use interactive conferencing technology to remotely hold public meetings under the Sunshine Law, even when no emergency has been reported.
State Travel Rules HB 1286, HD 2 Creates a unified and simplified travel policy for visitors and residents returning to Hawaii or flying between islands, subject to coronavirus-related restrictions. Exempts anyone entering the state or traveling between islands from quarantine requirements if they receive a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their last departure, and provides options for those who fail to test for the Islands arrive no fault of their own.
Emergency rules SB 540, SD 1 Allows the governor or a mayor to accept and pronounce lesser penalties for emergencies. Allows emergency violations to be processed as part of the traffic decision process as per the revised Hawaii Statues.
Defective Retail Locations HB 12 Makes it a Class C crime if an owner, employee, or agent of a retail business involved in enforcing a government health or safety requirement related to the COVID-19 pandemic deliberately or knowingly causes bodily harm caused.
Endangerment HB 532 Offers a minimum penalty of $ 500 and a maximum penalty of $ 4,000 for committing a reckless second degree harm in certain circumstances, in addition to any other penalty. B. boarding a commercial flight in the state afterwards tested positive for COVID-19.
Hotel Employment HB 642 Requires a hotel employer to recall the same number of workers in essentially the same classification as the employer's active workforce by March 1, 2020. Requires that certain laid-off workers be offered jobs in certain vacancies as soon as they become available Terms and Conditions.
Public Records HB 797 Prohibits the governor from suspending any provision or rule made under the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act during an emergency.
Commercial tenants HB 581 Prohibits a commercial landlord from initiating or continuing measures to clear or collect unpaid rents from commercial tenants that have been adversely affected by the economic effects of COVID-19 or official measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Veteran's Homes SB 237 Increases the Standard of Care for Veteran's Homes, Long Term Care Facilities, and Nursing Homes in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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