Sen. Karl Rhoads

Establishes that if a state legislative vacancy occurs due to the death or permanent incapacitation of the prior incumbent before a primary election, but after the close of filing for that election, and the prior incumbent was the only person whose name appeared on any ballot for that seat for that election, the Governor's appointment of a replacement shall be valid for both the unexpired term and the next succeeding term. Effective 1/1/2525. (SD1)

Proposes an amendment to the Hawaii State Constitution to provide that freedom of speech protected under the Hawaii State Constitution does not include the expenditure of money to influence elections. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySB 391 establishes a new End-of-Life Lithium-ion Battery Management Working Group to study how to responsibly handle used batteries from electric vehicles and electronics. The group must produce a report for the Legislature by 2026, focusing on recycling infrastructure and safety. This bill directly affects battery manufacturers, recyclers, and future state policy on managing these batteries. It does not change current laws but sets up a process for developing future regulations, effective January 1, 2026. The bill is currently under review by the AEN committee.

Increases the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all elective offices. Adjusts the minimum amount of qualifying contributions certain candidates must receive to participate in the program. Increases the matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions. Appropriates funds for the program and staff. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Prohibits a state- or county-owned vehicle purchased on or after 1/1/2028, from using an audible reverse warning system that emits a warning sound other than one using broadband technology. Authorizes the Director of Transportation to grant exemptions under certain circumstances. Requires the Director of Transportation to maintain an updated record of all exemptions granted and a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes a Plant Nursery Registry Program to regulate the sale of nursery stock. Requires certain plant nurseries to register with the Department of Agriculture. Establishes penalties. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Prohibits foreign entities and foreign-influenced business entities from making contributions, expenditures, electioneering communications, or donations for election purposes. Allows every business entity that contributes or expends funds in a state election to certify that the entity is not and will not be a foreign corporation or foreign-influenced business entity if the entity intends to make contributions or expenditures within an election cycle. Specifies that if the conditions that determine whether a business entity qualifies as a foreign‑influenced business entity are held unconstitutional by a final judgment, including all appeals, the Campaign Spending Commission is required to establish revised conditions that are constitutional. Requires noncandidate committees making only independent expenditures to obtain a statement of certification from each top contributor required to be listed in an advertisement avowing that no funds were derived from foreign entities or foreign-influenced business entities. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Expands the circumstances where the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations may waive the requirements for individuals to register to work and report to an employment office to be eligible for unemployment benefits. Authorize the Department to allow individuals to report to a location other than an employment office or other location approved pursuant to its rules. Beginning 4/1/2027, requires notices of determinations and documentation relating to appeals to be sent electronically, unless the election for mail is made. Allows an individual to change an elected withholding status more than once during a benefit year. Amends the statutory definition of "registered for work" or "registration for work". Repeals the requirement for individuals to post their work availability online to be eligible for unemployment benefits. Repeals the statutory provision for joint experience rating. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes a Hawaii-Japan Pacific Peace Monument to be developed by the State Foundation on Culture and appropriate stakeholders representing Hawaii and Japan. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires managing agents for residential condominium properties with more than one hundred units located in a county with a population greater than 500,000 to possess a community association manager credential from a recognized nationwide community association management industry trade group. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)