SB 870 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO TELECOMMUNICATION.

Summary

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)

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Feb 2025

Senate Passage

Feb 2025

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 17, 2025 Last action Dec 8, 2025

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What changed between versions

SB870 → SB870_SD1 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended to expand its scope by adding the State Librarian as a co-responsible party alongside the Comptroller. The changes require both officials to collaborate on identifying state locations for remote legislative access and to estimate the specific costs and staffing needed to implement this program. Additionally, the bill now explicitly allows these officials to partner with the University of Hawaii to assist with these tasks.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a single agency responsibility to a collaborative effort between the Comptroller and the State Librarian, with the addition of the University of Hawaii as a potential partner.

REQUIREMENT

Added the State Librarian as a required collaborator with the Comptroller to identify accessible locations and estimate costs.

Added a specific mandate to estimate costs and resources, including additional staffing, required to provide telecommunication access.

TECHNICAL

Added a provision allowing the Comptroller and State Librarian to partner with the University of Hawaii to perform their duties.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date of the Act from 'upon approval' to a fixed date of January 1, 2525.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 10, 2025

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.

upper

Feb 10, 2025

Committee

Reported from GVO (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 192) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.

upper

Jan 30, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on GVO recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in GVO were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) McKelvey, Gabbard, Moriwaki, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella.

upper

Jan 24, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on GVO has scheduled a public hearing on 01-28-25 3:00PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 23, 2025

Committee

Referred to GVO, WAM.

upper

Jan 17, 2025

Introduced

Introduced.

upper

6 primary · 6 co-sponsors