Sen. Stanley Chang

Authorizes captive insurance companies to underwrite, reinsure, or otherwise assume catastrophic property and casualty risks, subject to the approval and continuing supervision of the Insurance Commissioner. Allows the Commissioner to set certain minimum standards for captive insurance companies underwriting catastrophic property and casualty risk. Requires captive insurance companies underwriting catastrophic property and casualty risk to provide certain information in reports to the Commissioner. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 2849 requires government offices to include specific details at the start of all public meeting notices. This affects local and state agencies that hold public meetings, ensuring attendees see key information like the meeting's purpose and location upfront. The bill mandates adding this required content to all official notices, making it easier for the public to understand and participate in meetings. The measure is currently pending committee review after passing its first reading.

Maddy summarySB 2444 increases the amount of real property (like homes or land) protected from being seized to pay debts. This change directly affects property owners, particularly those with modest home values, by shielding more of their home equity from creditors. The bill raises the exemption threshold, meaning a higher value of property remains protected during legal actions like debt collection. It does not alter other debt collection procedures or create new requirements. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summarySB 2952 requires certain insurance companies to notify policyholders at least 60 days before implementing any change to their insurance premiums, starting January 1, 2027. This applies directly to policyholders whose insurance rates are adjusted, giving them advance notice of increases or decreases. The key provision mandates that insurers provide this written notice 60 days prior to the effective date of the rate change. The bill does not alter premium amounts but ensures policyholders have sufficient time to review or plan for upcoming changes.

Requires a seller of real property adjacent to the shoreline, and the seller's agent, to disclose and include in all advertisements certain shoreline erosion issues related to the parcel. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Maddy summarySB 2161 authorizes rodeos and rodeo activities on lands zoned for agricultural use. It specifically defines the term "rodeo and rodeo activities" to clarify what is permitted under this provision. The bill directly affects ranchers, event organizers, and landowners using agricultural-zoned properties for rodeo events. Currently, the bill is under review by the WLA committee, with a public hearing scheduled for February 4, 2026.

Requires each purchasing agency to provide justification for hiring external consultants. Requires each agency to seek approval from the Legislature for consulting contracts exceeding a certain dollar amount. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Requires the Compliance Audit Unit within the Office of the Auditor to conduct regular audits of agency consultant contracts to assess cost-effectiveness and compliance. Establishes exceptions. Requires each chief procurement officer to ensure that inherent government functions are not delegated to a contractor. Effective 1/1/2525. (SD2)

Prohibits the sale of geolocation information and internet browser information without consent. Prohibits the sale of data collected through eavesdropping or through an application operating in the background of a device that uses the device's microphone. Establishes exemptions for lawful investigations conducted by law enforcement agencies, customer proprietary network information, and certain telecommunication carriers. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD2)

Clarifies that cooperative associations organized under chapter 421C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, may include multi-stakeholder cooperatives, producer cooperatives, workers cooperatives, and consumer cooperatives. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD2)

Establishes a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county public offices in the State, to begin with the 2028 general election year. Requires the Campaign Spending Commission to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)