Rep. Scott Saiki

Codifies the administrative rule definition of "assistance animal". Permits an owner or person engaged in a real estate transaction to request verification if the disability-related need for an assistance animal is not readily apparent. Specifies that possession of a vest or other distinguishing animal garment, tag, or registration document commonly purchased online and purporting to identify an animal as a service animal or assistance animal does not constitute valid verification of a disability-related need for an assistance animal. Effective 11/1/21. (SD2)

Clarifies that filing fees for tax appeals are nonrefundable and that no deposits are required for tax appeals.

Increases ceiling of the office of health care assurance special fund to meet expanding program needs and diminish dependence on the general fund. Permits the office of health care assurance to use the special fund to enhance the office of health care assurance's capacity to conduct investigations. Effective 7/1/2060. (HD1)

Requires that any person who is eligible to vote and applies for a new or renewal motor vehicle driver's license, provisional license, or instruction permit, or a new, renewal, or duplicate identification card be automatically registered to vote if that person is not already registered to vote unless the applicant affirmatively declines to be registered to vote. Authorizes access to and electronic transmission of databases maintained or operated by the counties or the department of transportation containing driver's license or identification card information to election officials and the statewide voter registration system. Effective 1/1/2022.

Short form bill relating to the transient accommodations tax.

Clarifies applicable reimbursement to the State or defendant for expert witness fees, as it pertains to testimony, preparation and in-court attendance in state court criminal proceedings. Increases per diem payments for all witnesses.

Increases the amount of the fine for campaign spending law violations that may be assessed against a noncandidate committee that makes only independent expenditures and that has received at least one contribution of more than $10,000, or spent more than $10,000, in an election period. Allows the campaign spending commission to order that the payment of a fine, or any portion thereof, assessed against a noncandidate committee be paid from the personal funds of an officer of the noncandidate committee. Effective 7/1/2112. (HD1)

Short form bill relating to the state budget.

Allows the low-income housing tax credit to be allocated among the partners or members of the taxpayer earning the credit in any manner by the parties. Extends increases made to the low-income housing tax credit from 12/31/21 to 12/31/27.

Changes the fees for permits and licenses issued under chapters 243, 244D, and 245, Hawaii Revised Statutes, from specified amounts to reasonable fees established by rule adopted by the Department of Taxation. Establishes authority to charge a reasonable fee for providing conveyance tax certificates provided to anyone other than the county real property assessment division by administrative rule.