REQUESTING THE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER TO CONDUCT A STATEWIDE STUDY ON TITLE INSURANCE.

HCR 79 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Insurance Commissioner to study whether reforming or eliminating statewide title insurance requirements could reduce financial barriers for homebuyers. It directs the Commissioner to examine how current title insurance costs affect prospective homeowners and submit findings and recommendations - including potential legislation - to the Legislature by early 2026. The study focuses specifically on the impact of title insurance (a one-time fee protecting property ownership rights) on home purchase affordability. This resolution does not change current law but seeks data to inform future policy decisions. It directly affects potential homebuyers facing upfront costs in Hawaii's housing market.