Repeals the exemption to the general excise tax for agricultural businesses engaged in the production of genetically engineered agricultural products.
Appropriates funds for the Office of the Governor, in collaboration with the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, to: (1) plan and administer income tax credits relating to emergency management or disaster preparedness and grants for low-income taxpayers to fortify their residential real property; (2) oversee the development of emergency shelters; and (3) hire necessary personnel.
Requires the Comptroller and State Librarian to identify state office buildings, including state libraries, that can provide equitable telecommunication access to allow certain residents, including residents with disabilities, to participate remotely in legislative hearings and estimate the costs and resources, including additional staffing, to effectuate this purpose. Allows the Comptroller and State Librarian to partner with the University of Hawaii in performing these tasks. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 1/1/2525. (SD1)
Maddy summarySB 692 proposes regulating the retail and wholesale sale of spray paint in the state. It would require sellers to follow specific rules for these transactions and designate the Department of Law Enforcement as the agency responsible for enforcing the regulations. The bill directly affects businesses that sell spray paint to consumers or other retailers. Currently pending before the PSM committee (deferred February 10, 2025), it has not yet been enacted into law.
Establishes the Agricultural Development and Food Security Special Fund. Requires a portion of the Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax to be deposited into the Special Fund. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Exempts Department of Education purchases of local edible produce and packaged food products less than a certain amount from the electronic procurement system requirement. Requires at least three written quotes for Department of Education purchases of local edible produce and packaged food products between certain amounts. Requires at least two written quotes for Department of Education purchases of local edible produce and packaged food products between certain amounts for certain schools in rural communities. Sunsets 6/30/2028.
Makes a second or subsequent conviction for violation of a domestic abuse protective order a class C felony. Increases the sentencing requirements for second or subsequent convictions.
Maddy summarySB 1156 makes it a crime to create or distribute a sexually explicit deepfake without the person’s consent. It directly affects victims of non-consensual deepfakes and those who create or share such content. The bill establishes a new criminal offense for distributing these materials, targeting a specific harm without addressing other deepfake uses. The measure is pending before the LBT committee after a public hearing was deferred.
Requires sellers or providers of emotional support animals or of certificates, identifications, tags, vests, leashes, and harnesses that identify an animal as an emotional support animal to provide certain disclaimers to the buyer or recipient. Establishes penalties.
Maddy summarySB 608 regulates individuals or organizations providing advice or assistance to veterans seeking benefits. It directly affects veterans navigating benefit applications and the advisors they consult with. The bill establishes rules for these advisors, requiring them to meet specific standards to ensure accurate guidance. The measure is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2077, after passing committee review with amendments.
