ETHICS

A Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct was set up as a reaction to the recent Legislature bribery scandal that resulted in two convictions.  Recommendations were passed in the form of 23 seperate Bills.  They deal with campaign finance, nepotism, gifts to legislators, transparency by lobbyists and more.  Some of the recommendations have been incorporated into new House Rules which were already passed.

RESPONDING TO SCOTUS RULINGS

SB1 is a comprehensive Bill which protects Hawaii health care workers who perform abortions from interstate legal actions, allows licensed physician assistants to perform some abortions, repeals a requirement that abortions be performed at certain locations and prohibits the release of reproductive health care information.

With the forced change in conceal carry of firearms, HB982 carrying in sensitive locations and makes all private businesses off limits unless they expressly post that firearms are permitted, requires them to carry th permit, to not drink alcohol while carrying, to not leave in an unattended vehicle, and more.

TAX RELIEF

If all tax relief measures introduced in the House went into effect we would lose half a billion dollars in revenue. Two major tax bill passed the House and are included in the House budget.  HB954 which changes in the income brackets, increases in standard deductions and personal exemptions, as well as Earned Income Tax Credit.  HB25 converts the refundable food/excise tax credit to a tax rebate to be issued to qualifying taxpayers annually.

BY COMMITTEE

See the lists below of the bills each Committee Chair thought were the best.