Sen. Stanley Chang

Requires homeowners insurance producers to notify policyholders that they may submit information regarding improvements made to the insured residential property, which shall then be submitted to the homeowners insurer. Requires homeowners insurers to reevaluate the replacement cost estimate based on the information submitted by a policyholder, and offer the policyholder the option to purchase additional coverage to cover the full amount of the replacement cost estimate. Establishes administrative penalties for violations. Effective 1/1/2027. (CD1)

Requires operators of AI companions in the State to issue certain disclosures to users. Requires operators to develop certain protocols to respond to user prompts regarding suicidal ideation or self-harm. Establishes protections for users and minor users of AI companions. Beginning 1/1/2028, requires operators to submit annual reports to the Behavioral Health Administration of the Department of Health containing certain information. Establishes that violations are to be considered unfair or deceptive acts or practices. (CD1)

Requires the Department of Health to adopt rules to allow hospitals to demonstrate compliance with all licensing inspections required by the State through accreditation or certification by any accreditation or certification organization approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (CD1)

Recognizes the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity established pursuant to Senate Resolution 94, Senate Draft 1, Regular Session of 2026, to protect and expand populations of endangered species and other wildlife in the State. (CD1)

Maddy summarySB 2494 establishes a 9-year time limit for prosecuting bribery offenses, replacing the current statute of limitations. This bill directly affects individuals accused of bribery and prosecutors handling such cases, as it sets a specific window for bringing charges. The key provision is the fixed 9-year period from the date of the alleged offense, ensuring all bribery cases must be filed within this timeframe. The bill is currently under review by the Public Safety and Municipal Affairs committee, with a scheduled hearing.

Authorizes the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to be used to provide any and all forms of financing for the development, pre‑development, construction, acquisition, preservation, and substantial rehabilitation of rental housing units. Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to give preference to certain projects with perpetual affordability commitments, that are revenue neutral, and to applicants with a demonstrated history of early repayment to the RHRF. Authorizes HHFDC to use moneys in the RHRF that have been reserved or awarded by HHFDC for specific projects but have not yet been encumbered to fund other rental housing projects subject to certain conditions. Authorizes HHFDC to secure a line of credit or other instrument of indebtedness to provide liquidity for the RHRF under certain conditions. Repeals 6/30/2030. (CD1)

Extends the sunset date of the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund Equity Pilot Program pursuant to Act 92, SLH 2023, from June 30, 2028, to June 30, 2031. Requires any equity purchased by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation under the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund Equity Pilot Program to be in a for-sale housing development project within a transit-oriented development zone. Authorizes HHFDC to spend up to $20,000,000 from the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund for the Equity Pilot Program established pursuant to Act 92, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023. (CD2)

Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to plan and serve in a coordinating role to develop shoreline adaptation pathways plans for regional shoreline mitigation districts designated by OPSD. Establishes procedures for the review of state and county permits associated with regional shoreline mitigation districts. (CD2)

Establishes a 5-year Hawaii Builds Pilot Program within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Authorizes the use of the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund for the Pilot Program, subject to an annual cap. Mandates interagency coordination and expedited review for projects to facilitate timely delivery of projects. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 6/30/2031. (CD1)

For taxable years beginning 1/1/2027: (1) increases the maximum annual and total allowable deduction for contributions to individual housing accounts for income tax deductions; and (2) increases the maximum allowable contributions for individual housing accounts to qualify for the income tax deductions. Repeals outdated language applicable to first‑time home purchases made before 1/1/1990, by persons with an individual housing account. (CD1)