HB 1361: RELATING TO SMALL BUSINESSES.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to small businesses.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that small businesses are the backbone of Hawaii's economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the State's unique cultural and economic landscape.  However, the high cost of starting a business can deter entrepreneurship and innovation.  The legislature finds that the State should be encouraging the establishment of new small businesses to spur economic growth.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a small business fee waiver program to waive certain fees for applicants registering a new small business in the State for the first time.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established within the business registration division of the department of commerce and consumer affairs a small business fee waiver program to waive certain fees for applicants registering a new small business in the State for the first time.

     (b)  To qualify for fee waivers under this section, an applicant shall:

     (1)  Be registering a new business entity in the State for the first time;

     (2)  Be classified as a small business, as defined in section 211D-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

     (3)  Provide an affidavit attesting that the applicant is not currently or has not previously registered as the owner of a small business in the State.

     (c)  Applicants shall be eligible for the following fee waivers:

     (1)  Initial business registration filing fees for corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and sole proprietorships;

     (2)  Trade name, trademark, and service mark registration fees; and

     (3)  Any other applicable registration fees as determined by the department of commerce and consumer affairs.

     (d)  The small business fee waiver program shall not apply to:

     (1)  Annual business renewal fees; or

     (2)  Penalties, fines, or fees for late filings or non-compliance.

     (e)  The department of commerce and consumer affairs shall:

     (1)  Develop an outreach program to inform the public about the small business fee waiver program; and

     (2)  Provide guidance and resources to assist new business owners with the business registration process.

     (f)  The department of commerce and consumer affairs shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.  The report shall include:

     (1)  The number of businesses that utilized the small business fee waiver program;

     (2)  The total amount of fees waived; and

     (3)  Recommendations for continuing or improving the program.

     (g)  The small business fee waiver program shall end on           .

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 to implement the small business fee waiver program.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of commerce and consumer affairs for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

DCCA; Small Businesses; Registration Fees; Fee Waiver; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes and appropriates funds for a small business fee waiver program within the Business Registration Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to waive certain fees for applicants registering a new small business in the State for the first time.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.