Sen. Karl Rhoads

Requires retailers of household appliances to conspicuously display available energy efficiency rebates funded by the public benefits fee and state-specific energy operation costs. Requires the public benefits fee administrator to create and update the template to be used by retailers. Requires the Hawaii state energy office and administrator to give notice to retailers.

Requires the university of Hawaii environmental center to conduct ongoing studies of the environmental impacts of sewage spills on affected coral reefs and submit an annual report to the legislature prior to the convening of each regular session. Appropriates moneys.

Establishes a private cause of action for persons injured by the deprivation of rights under the United States Constitution or the Hawaii Constitution by law enforcement officers. Requires that employers of law enforcement officers indemnify officers for judgments or settlements arising from that cause of action over a certain amount. Requires political subdivisions of the State who employ law enforcement officers to publicly disclose a list of officers against whom a judgment or settlement is entered as well as the amount of the judgment or settlement and any disciplinary actions or criminal charges brought against the officer.

Establishes The Uniform Employee and Student Online Privacy Protection Act that adopts uniform laws on protecting the online accounts of employees, prospective employees, unpaid interns, applicants, students, and prospective students from employers and educational institutions.

Proposes an amendment to article X, section 1, of the Hawaii State Constitution to require that the statewide public school system be thorough and efficient.

Establishes a new misdemeanor offense of promoting a dangerous drug in the fourth degree, to include possession of dangerous drugs in amounts under two grams. Limits the class C felony offense of promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree to include possession of dangerous drugs in an amount of two grams or more. Takes effect 8/1/2021.

Requires the Insurance Commissioner to set the maximum wholesale prices of common prescription drugs based upon Canadian price regulations. Prohibits drug makers and distributors from removing prescription drugs from Hawaii markets. Prohibits various health plans and pharmacies from purchasing prescription drugs in excess of the maximum wholesale price.

Amends the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to address carbon emissions. Increases the tax rate to effectively set a price of $40 per metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions in 2022. Incrementally increases the tax rate over time so that, in 2032, the tax rate shall be equivalent to a carbon price of $80 per metric ton of carbon emissions. Establishes a refundable tax credit for lower-income individuals. Tax credit applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2021. Takes effect 1/1/2022.

Requires the director of human resources development, in consultation with the Hawai‘i climate change mitigation and adaptation commission, state energy office, and department of accounting and general services to develop and implement a comprehensive commuting choice benefit program for all state employees regardless of mode of transportation.

Prohibits the sale of any new combustion engine-powered vehicle by a person or entity that engages in the practice of selling vehicles to consumers. Imposes a fine of up to $1,000 for each offense.