HB 2079 reestablishes a state income tax credit for property owners who upgrade, convert, or connect their cesspools (sewage disposal systems) to public sewer lines or alternative systems. This tax credit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, directly benefiting homeowners and businesses in areas reliant on cesspools. The key provision is the reinstatement of a financial incentive to encourage the replacement of older cesspools, which are often environmentally concerning. The bill does not create new regulations but provides a tax benefit for specific infrastructure upgrades. It is currently pending committee review for potential passage.
Requires the driver of a vehicle to stop for a pedestrian who is crossing the roadway within a crosswalk and not to proceed until the pedestrian has completely exited the crosswalk and the driver can safely proceed. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Clarifies that, for electric utilities, "performance-based incentives" include revenue adjustment mechanisms, cost control mechanisms, rewards for superior performance, and penalties for subpar performance. Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to adopt alternative ratemaking procedures to establish electric utility rates and performance-based incentives. Requires the Commission to apply a presumption in favor of considering historical cost trends and external indices that reflect incentives to control costs if the Commission resets an electric utility's allowed revenues based on consideration of the utility's costs. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes the Prescription Drug Affordability Board within the Department of Health to conduct affordability reviews on high-cost prescription drugs and establish upper payment limits under certain circumstances. Establishes out-of-pocket maximums for prescribed insulin, asthma inhalers, and epinephrine auto-injectors. Prohibits copayment adjustment programs. Requires health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations to comply with certain affordability measures. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Requires adoption of rules by the Affordability Board and Insurance Commissioner. Appropriates funds.
Establishes the Search and Rescue Card Program and Search and Rescue Special Fund to reimburse state and county agencies and volunteer organizations for search and rescue operations. Establishes reimbursement procedures for search and rescue operations.
Repeals a provision in Act 4, Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2005, that prohibits the Department of Human Services from taking any action to remove pharmaceutical benefits management from managed care plans that provide health care coverage for Hawaii Medicaid beneficiaries. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Amends the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, as amended, to increase the State's liability limit for moneys borrowed by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, or loans made to lessees that are guaranteed by the Department, from $100,000,000 to $500,000,000. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Allows a retirant employed as an investigator identified by the Department of Law Enforcement or Department of the Attorney General as a labor shortage or difficult-to-fill position to be rehired without reenrollment in the Employees' Retirement System and without a loss or interruption of retirement benefits, subject to certain conditions. Requires annual reports to the Legislature to include details on the employment of retirants as investigators.
Provides the authority for counties to amend district boundaries up to 25 acres for purposes of residential housing, agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental, or workforce fee simple ownership.
Establishes a tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel distribution in Hawaii to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Provides $1 per gallon, increasing by 2 cents per additional 1 per cent emissions reduction, up to $2 per gallon. Caps total credits at $20,000,000 annually, with carryover provisions. Requires reporting to ensure transparency and compliance. Applies to taxable years after December 31, 2025, and sunsets on December 31, 2035.
Clarifies that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who meet an intermediate care facility or nursing facility level of care shall not be denied residency in a licensed community care foster family home solely because of their disability or enrollment in a specific medicaid waiver program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires the Department of Education to permit the participation of eligible homeschooled students in public high school extracurricular activities, subject to certain requirements and limitations.
