Sen. Donna Kim

Authorizes the Governor to enter into a Cosmetology Licensure Compact on behalf of the State to provide a streamlined process that allows cosmetologists to obtain a multistate license enabling them to practice cosmetology in another state without obtaining a separate license under the laws of that state. Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to adopt rules to implement and administer the Compact. Authorizes the Governor to enter into the Compact. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Establishes and appropriates funds to establish the Aloha Intelligence Institute within the University of Hawaii to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)

Requires each purchasing agency to provide justification for hiring external consultants. Caps the amount each agency can spend on external consultants. Requires each agency to seek approval from the Legislature for consulting contracts exceeding a certain dollar amount. Requires each agency to disclose new contracts with external consultants. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Requires the Compliance Audit Unit to conduct regular audits of agency consultant contracts to assess cost-effectiveness and compliance. Requires each chief procurement officer to ensure that inherent government functions are not delegated to a contractor. Effective 1/1/2491. (SD2)

Maddy summarySB 1621 exempts nail technicians from state licensing requirements, directly affecting individuals working as nail technicians in the state. The bill removes the current need for nail technicians to obtain a state-issued license to practice. The bill passed the committee (CPN) on February 7, 2025, with amendments recommended for passage. This change would streamline entry into the profession by eliminating a specific regulatory barrier.

Amends the Uniform Information Practices Act to require each contract to perform a government function to expressly require the contractor to retain records in accordance with the retention schedule of the agency and provide the agency with access to all records subject to the Uniform Information Practices Act; define "government function" and "trade secret"; clarify that "government record" includes information that is created, received, maintained, or used by a private person in performance of a government function contract; and prohibit agencies from denying a request for access to records of a contractor used in the performance of a government function on the basis of trade secret or other proprietary information. Effective 1/1/2491. (SD1)

Allows for the regulation of sports wagering by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Establishes licensing requirements for sports wagering operators and sports wagering suppliers. Specifies that sports wagering shall not be considered games of chance or gambling. Establishes the Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment Special Fund. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Defines "low alcohol by volume spirits beverage". Establishes a tax on low alcohol by volume spirits beverages at a rate of $0.85 per wine gallon. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes a Water Alliance Initiative Policy Coordinator for coordination of Red Hill WAI initiatives. Creates the Red Hill Remediation Special Fund. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD1)

Transfers the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission from the Department of Accounting and General Services to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Transfers the authority held by the Comptroller over the Works of Art Special Fund to the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Establishes the Performing Arts Grants Program to support performing arts in the State. Clarifies the scope of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts' responsibilities to include the coordination, planning, promotion, marketing, and execution of performing arts events. Amends the authority for funds from the works of art special fund to be used only for costs related to the acquisition of works of art and the planning, design, construction of works of art and related appurtenances. Requires reports to the legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes the Hawaii Agricultural Crimes Council. Expands the duties of the Department of Agriculture to collaborate with and support the Council. Requires all moneys, revenues, and fines received and processed by the Council to be deposited into the Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund. Allows moneys in the Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund to be expended to cover the costs of the Council. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)