Aloha State News

The Hawaii State Legislature's 2025 Regular Session is at its midpoint, with several bills having been addressed before the First Crossover Deadline on March 6. This deadline marks the last chance for bills to pass three readings in their originating chamber before crossing over to the other chamber. Bills not meeting this requirement will not progress further this session.

NFIB Hawaii has been working with the legislature to address its policy priorities, resulting in deferral or dismissal of many proposals viewed as harmful. The organization has released a summary of these legislative efforts.

Several bills have been halted. HB 149, which proposed corporations report political contributions, has been deferred. HB 158 and HB 722, suggesting striking workers receive unemployment benefits, failed to pass. HB 168, HB 425, SB 159, and HB 425, aimed at establishing paid family leave, faced deferral or were not scheduled for discussion. HB 219, proposing five days of paid family leave, was not scheduled either. HB 555 and SB 638, concerning employment practice reforms, did not make the deadline, while HB 597 advocating a constitutional amendment for environmental protections remains unscheduled. HB 755 and SB 852 on family and medical leave also failed to progress. SB 358 regarding fair scheduling and SB 718 on equity in changing accommodations were not scheduled for hearings.

Some bills have advanced. HB 1146 and SB 1465 about pass-through entity taxation have moved forward. HB 1405, which seeks to streamline permit applications, and HB 1406, establishing a task force for permit simplification, have crossed over and are scheduled for hearings. SB 1038, dealing with privacy and data breaches, has moved to the House for further review. SB 1493 requires specific information be provided for emotional support animals and has also crossed over for additional consideration.

NFIB Hawaii continues to monitor the session as these and other bills develop.