This bill, signed into law by Governor Josh Green on June 21, 2024, increases funding for the Department of the Attorney General's Tobacco Enforcement Unit in Hawaii. It directly affects the state's tobacco enforcement efforts by amending two specific laws to change how money from tobacco settlements is collected and managed. The key changes raise the annual funding threshold for the unit from $350,000 to $750,000 and allow the tobacco enforcement special fund to carry over up to $750,000 at the end of each fiscal year instead of the previous $500,000 limit. These adjustments take effect on July 1, 2024, ensuring more stable and adequate resources for enforcing tobacco-related laws and the Master Settlement Agreement.
This bill informs the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed HB2483 into law on June 21, 2024, authorizing the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to conduct criminal history record checks. The law requires the department to perform comprehensive background checks, including state and federal fingerprint-based searches, on current and prospective volunteers, contracted service providers, and their employees who work directly with incarcerated individuals. Additionally, the bill mandates that these background checks be completed before anyone begins volunteering, providing contracted services, or starting employment within the correctional system.
This bill serves as a formal notification to the legislature that the Governor signed House Bill 2641 into law on June 21, 2024. It does not create new policies or change existing laws but simply records the official enactment of the previously passed legislation. The document directs readers to a separate PDF file for the full text of the signed bill.
This bill, signed into law by the Governor on June 21, 2024, updates the pay and benefits for Hawaii National Guard members serving on active duty for the state. It ensures that officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel receive pay and allowances equivalent to their counterparts in the U.S. Army and Air Force while on state active duty. The legislation also mandates that these service members be allowed to deposit their pay directly into personal bank accounts and provides a specific allowance to cover TRICARE Reserve Select health insurance for those activated for more than thirty days who lack other coverage. Additionally, it sets a minimum daily pay standard for enlisted personnel to ensure their total compensation meets a specified hourly wage threshold.
This bill amends Hawaii's traffic code to clarify how local governments can regulate vehicle stopping, standing, and parking. It authorizes the state director of transportation and counties to prohibit or restrict parking where it is dangerous or interferes with traffic flow, while explicitly banning counties from charging rental fees or other penalties instead of standard court fines. The legislation also updates procedures for issuing citations to allow county employees to issue summonses for violations that do not require arrest and permits officers to cite illegally parked vehicles without a driver present. These changes affect county ordinances, law enforcement officers, and vehicle owners across the state.
This bill authorizes the issuance of special license plates to honor Malama Puuloa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing environmental and historical issues in the Puuloa area of Oahu. The legislation requires the state Director of Finance to create a plate design that recognizes the group's contributions to restoring the region's land and water, which have been impacted by pollution. Eligible residents of Hawaii who are registered vehicle owners can apply for these commemorative plates after paying the required fees. The design must follow specific size and visibility guidelines while respecting intellectual property rights.
This bill updates Hawaii's laws regarding 911 services to reflect modern technology advancements. It removes the term "enhanced" from the state's definition of 911 services, which currently limits funding to older systems and prevents the state from financing newer, more advanced capabilities. Additionally, the legislation allows the 911 board to hire staff members who are exempt from the state's civil service and collective bargaining laws, beyond the existing exemption for the executive director. These changes aim to ensure that Hawaii can continue funding up-to-date emergency communication systems and provide greater staffing flexibility for the 911 board.
This bill establishes the Office of Enterprise Technology Services within the Department of Accounting and General Services to centralize and improve technology management across the state of Hawaii. The new office will be led by a full-time Chief Information Officer appointed by the Governor, who will oversee statewide IT governance, strategic planning, and the adoption of uniform technology standards. Key provisions include coordinating IT budgets and procurement for all executive branch agencies, providing centralized computer services to improve government efficiency, and reporting annually to the Governor and Legislature on the state's technology progress. Additionally, the bill creates an Information Technology Steering Committee to assist the Chief Information Officer in these efforts.
This bill, signed into law by the Governor on June 21, 2024, amends Hawaii Revised Statutes to strengthen the Department of Taxation's ability to investigate unpaid taxes. It grants the director of taxation and authorized representatives the power to conduct civil audits and criminal investigations into a taxpayer's financial resources to determine if taxes can be collected. The legislation also clarifies the rules for issuing subpoenas, allowing tax officials to demand the production of records, including those stored electronically, while requiring a review by the director before such orders are issued. Additionally, the bill outlines that the state will cover travel expenses for witnesses subpoenaed from outside their home county and establishes a legal process for enforcing compliance through the circuit court.
This bill, signed into law by Governor Josh Green on June 21, 2024, updates state tax administration rules to affect landlords, property managers, and the Hawaii Department of Taxation. It establishes a $20 fee for each tax clearance application and requires anyone collecting rent on behalf of a property owner to file specific information with the tax department. Additionally, the bill mandates that rental agreements include a bold notice stating that general excise taxes must be paid on gross rents and sets a $500 fine for failing to comply with these filing and notification requirements.
This bill serves as a formal notification that the Governor signed HB2489 into law on June 21, 2024. The legislation amends state statutes to define which government positions are excluded from standard civil service recruitment rules. Specifically, it lists exceptions such as military personnel, contract workers for unique services, court-mandated hires, and various appointed officials. The text also details specific roles within the judicial system that are exempt from the normal hiring process.
This message informs the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed HB2435 into law on June 21, 2024, updating the state's marriage and civil union licensing procedures. The bill allows couples to apply for marriage licenses either in person or remotely through synchronous online access, while still requiring them to appear before a licensed agent. It also mandates that civil union applicants must appear in person or via synchronous online access to apply for their licenses. These changes modernize the application process by adding remote options without removing the requirement for applicants to be present before an authorized official.
