Aloha State News

The legislative process continues as the deadline for bills to move to their final committee in their originating chamber passed on February 16. Bills that have met this requirement now face a new deadline of March 9 to complete their last committee hearing and third reading in the originating chamber. Those that succeed will then crossover to the non-originating chamber. The legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on May 4.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has identified five key bills for its lobbying efforts:

SB 342, concerning paid sick leave, mandates employers to provide a minimum amount of paid sick leave for employees' personal or family health needs and additional leave under certain public health emergencies.

SB 360 focuses on family leave, requiring the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to manage a family leave insurance program. It proposes extending family leave benefits to 16 weeks for businesses with any number of qualifying employees, removing the previous threshold of 100 employees. It also includes funding appropriations.

SB 1057 addresses employment earnings by mandating job listings to disclose an hourly rate or salary range, effective July 1, 2050.

SB 1458 pertains to waste management, establishing an Extended Producer Responsibility Program. This requires producers of fast-moving consumer goods to register with the Department of Health and pay fees based on packaging volume. Funds collected will be used for a report aimed at reducing packaging waste sent to landfills or incinerators by fifty percent and eighty percent by specified dates.

SB 974 involves consumer data protection, setting up a regulatory framework for controllers and processors handling personal consumer data, along with penalties and a new consumer privacy special fund. Funding appropriations are included.