This bill requires the Hawaii Board of Agriculture to submit a detailed report to the legislature by May 2025 regarding the use and financial transactions of state agricultural leases. The report must specify the percentage of leased land that is suitable for farming versus actually being farmed, along with specific dollar amounts related to lease transfers between individuals. These provisions aim to provide data on whether state-subsidized land leases are being used for their intended agricultural purposes or converted into private windfall profits. The bill directly affects the Board of Agriculture and the legislature by mandating this transparency review of existing lease agreements.
This bill expands a state exemption to allow child care providers already certified by the U.S. Department of Defense to operate off federal property without complying with standard state licensing rules. The change aims to reduce the lengthy wait times and administrative delays that currently affect both military and civilian families seeking qualified care. By removing these specific providers from the state's general registration process, the law seeks to improve access to child care options and support the economic stability of families and providers.
This bill directs state officials to identify and make unused public school buildings available for charter schools and early learning programs. It requires the Department of Education to create an inventory of empty classrooms and prioritize sites that can accommodate three or more classrooms. Additionally, the legislation establishes a formal process for early learning programs to apply for and occupy these facilities through public-private partnerships. The Governor signed this law into effect on July 1, 2024, to expand access to early education spaces.
This bill formally notifies the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed HB2493 into law on July 1, 2024. The law amends state statutes to update the list of available endorsements and restrictions for commercial driver's licenses. It clarifies the definitions for various license categories, such as those for hazardous materials, passenger vehicles, and school buses, while also specifying restrictions for drivers operating vehicles without manual transmissions or air brakes. The changes ensure that the official records accurately reflect the specific types of vehicles and driving conditions authorized or prohibited for each license holder.
This bill establishes a Silver Alert program in Hawaii to help locate missing elderly individuals or those with cognitive or developmental disabilities. It requires law enforcement agencies to request an alert only after exhausting local resources and confirming the person is at risk, while also protecting their privacy by limiting the sharing of sensitive health details. Once activated, the program allows the state to broadcast warnings through radio, television, cable, satellite, wireless alerts, and electronic road signs. The legislation amends existing statutes to formalize these procedures and encourages, but does not mandate, cooperation from broadcasters.
This bill amends the Hawaii Revised Statutes to allow the Hawaii Labor Relations Board to admit and consider hearsay evidence during its proceedings. The legislation addresses a conflict in existing rules where the board was previously prohibited from using hearsay, even though other administrative and court proceedings can accept it under specific exceptions. By removing this restriction, the bill aims to make the board's process more flexible and consistent with general administrative principles. The change applies immediately to all cases heard by the board starting July 1, 2024.
This message serves as a formal notification to the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed HB2481 into law on July 1, 2024. The enacted bill, known as ACT 134, repeals the existing Chapter 503B of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which previously governed time share commissioners of deeds. By removing this specific chapter, the legislation effectively eliminates the statutory framework for time share commissioners of deeds in the state. The law takes effect immediately upon the Governor's approval.
This bill amends the Child Protective Act in Hawaii to clarify definitions regarding child abuse and neglect. It specifically updates the legal meaning of "harm" to include detailed examples such as severe bruising, burns, malnutrition, and sexual exploitation, while also adding labor trafficking as a form of abuse. Additionally, the legislation defines "imminent harm" to establish when immediate protective custody is necessary before a court order can be obtained. These changes directly affect child protective services, law enforcement, and courts by providing clearer standards for identifying and responding to situations where children are at risk of serious injury.
This bill informs the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed Act 150 into law on July 1, 2024. The act amends state procurement rules to exempt career and technical education equipment, such as flight simulators and welding tools, from competitive bidding requirements. This change aims to help schools acquire necessary training materials more quickly so students can gain industry skills while in high school. By simplifying the purchasing process for these specific educational tools, the law seeks to better prepare students for future careers.
This bill, signed into law by Governor Josh Green on July 1, 2024, provides legal immunity to organizations that offer free emergency shelter and support services to minors in Hawaii. The law protects providers from civil or criminal liability when they make decisions to offer these services, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. It defines "no cost emergency shelter" as free accommodation for up to thirty days, along with essential services like meals, medical care, counseling, and assistance with family reunification. The act applies to authorized child-placing organizations and other groups that meet specific safety standards, such as conducting background checks and maintaining separate sleeping areas for adults and minors. This provision is set to remain in effect until June 30, 2029, after which the original statute will be reinstated.
This message from the Governor of Hawaii informs the Legislature that Act 139 was signed into law on July 1, 2024. The bill modifies state tax rules to allow small businesses, defined as those with 500 or fewer employees, to claim tax credits for qualified research expenses conducted within the state. Key provisions include extending the application of these tax incentives to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023, and adjusting the effective date for certain parts of the act to January 1, 2030. The legislation specifically excludes research expenses incurred outside of Hawaii and clarifies how Internal Revenue Code sections apply to the state tax code.
This message from Governor Josh Green informs the Hawaii Legislature that he signed Act 135 into law on July 1, 2024. The bill updates state penalties for commercial driver's license violations to align with federal requirements. It specifically requires employers to prevent drivers with suspended licenses, multiple licenses, or out-of-service orders from operating commercial vehicles. Employers who fail to follow these rules face increased fines, while drivers violating out-of-service orders face higher civil penalties. The changes take effect immediately upon the governor's approval.
