Sen. Tim Richards

Maddy summarySB 2175 prohibits the sale, offering for sale, or distribution of certain disposable electronic smoking devices beginning January 1, 2027. This law directly affects retailers who sell these devices and consumers who purchase them. The key provision sets a specific date (January 1, 2027) for the ban to take effect. The bill focuses on restricting the availability of these devices through a clear sales prohibition.

Amends the definition of "eligible business activity" for the purposes of the Enterprise Zone Program to include certain retail sales of tangible personal property; processing of certain value-added agricultural products; research development, sale, or production of all types of medical products and medical and health care services; activities of the Hawaii Food and Product Innovation Network; the provision of certain professional services by health care professionals; aerospace research and development activities; and information technology design and production services. Authorizes the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to declare up to two census tracts on state land that contain an innovation enterprise to be designated as an enterprise zone, subject to the Governor's approval and notwithstanding certain conditions. Requires DBEDT to conduct a comprehensive review, in consultation with the Department of Taxation, of the State Enterprise Zones Program and to submit a report to the Legislature. For taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026, extends the eligibility period of the state business tax credit for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones. Beginning 1/1/2028, extends the eligibility period of the general excise tax exemption for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones. Applies to qualified businesses who join the Enterprise Zone Program on or after 7/1/2026. (CD1)

Maddy summarySB 2135 creates a new criminal offense for sharing someone's intimate images without their consent. It directly affects individuals whose private photos or videos are distributed online or otherwise without permission. The key provision defines this act as a punishable offense, establishing legal consequences for perpetrators. The bill is currently pending before the LBT committee, having been referred for review after its initial introduction.

Requires the Food and Product Innovation Network to integrate a coordinated food safety and regulatory framework. Requires the Agribusiness Development Corporation to establish key performance indicators for the Food and Product Innovation Network, develop a market access strategy, align and harmonize state branding initiatives, and report certain data to the Legislature. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to evaluate or adapt enterprise zone incentives in all counties to better support the Food and Product Innovation Network. Appropriates funds. (CD1)

Authorizes the Division of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to adopt, amend, and repeal rules to develop an evaluation and authorization process to import and transport aquatic livestock in the State. Requires the Aquaculture Program to develop a biological aquatic risk-based framework and biocontainment standards for the aquatic livestock evaluation and authorization process. (CD1)

Authorizes the Agribusiness Development Corporation to acquire by condemnation any real property or interest in real property, except real property owned in a county with a population of more than 125,000 but less than 195,000 and public lands, under certain conditions. (CD2)

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to convene a Bona Fide Farmer Working Group to develop multi-tiered, matrix-based definitions for the terms "bona fide farmer" and "bona fide agricultural activity". Requires a report to the Legislature. (CD1)

Maddy summarySB 2892 allocates funds to county governments to help them collect feral chickens that have already been captured. The bill specifically provides money for counties to manage these already-caught birds, not for capturing new ones. It becomes effective on July 1, 2050. This is a procedural funding measure targeting existing feral chicken management efforts by local governments.

Exempts concessions within the Stadium Facility that are under the jurisdiction of the Stadium Authority from chapter 102, HRS, governing concession on public property. Allows the naming rights of the Stadium Facility to be leased to any public or private entity. Requires any revenues derived from advertising or marketing in or on the Stadium Facility to be deposited into the Stadium Development Special Fund. (CD1)

Prohibits any law enforcement agency or law enforcement official from entering into an agreement under federal law that permits state or county agencies to engage in immigration enforcement. Prohibits law enforcement agencies and law enforcement officials from engaging in certain immigration-related actions, except under limited circumstances. (CD1)