HB 2393: Occupational Licensure; Task Force; Report; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to Occupational licensing reform.

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

     SECTION 1.  (a)  There is established an occupational licensing task force to consist of the following members:

     (1)  A representative from the department of commerce and consumer affairs' regulated industries complaints office;

     (2)  A representative from the department of commerce and consumer affairs' division of professional and vocational licensing;

     (3)  Three representatives from the various boards under the purview of the department of commerce and consumer affairs, appointed by the director;

     (4)  Two members from the business community to be appointed by the governor;

     (5)  The chair of the house committee on consumer protection & commerce, or the chair's designee; and

     (6)  The chair of the senate committee on commerce and consumer protection, or the chair's designee.

     (b)  The task force shall investigate the current occupational licensing requirements in the state.  The investigation shall include, but is not limited to:

     (1)  Identification of any current occupational licenses that are not necessary for the health and safety of the consumer;

     (2)  Identification of occupational license requirements that can be reduced without harm to the consumer;

     (3)  Identification of licenses that can be replaced with bonding or insurance requirements, inspections, or private certifications;

     (4)  Propose legislation that would allow for more consumer choice, more business opportunities, and less regulation; and

     (5)  Identify any fiscal impact to the State and propose mechanisms to mitigate that impact.

     (c)  The task force shall submit a preliminary report of its findings to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     (d)  The task force shall submit the final report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028.

     (e)  The task force shall serve until it has accomplished the purpose of this Act or twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028, whichever occurs first.

     (f)  The members of the task force shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed by the department of commerce and consumer affairs for necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred for service on the task force.  No member of the task force shall be made subject to section 84-17, Hawaii Revised Statutes, solely because of that member's participation on the task force.  The task force shall be exempt from chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (g)  The chair of the house committee on consumer protection & commerce, or the chair's designee, and the chair of the senate committee on commerce and consumer protection, or the chair's designee, shall convene the task force.  The task force shall be administratively supported by the department of commerce and consumer affairs.

     SECTION 2.  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 2026-2027 for the purposes of this Act.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Occupational Licensure; Task Force; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes an occupational licensing task force to identify the ways in which state regulation of occupational licensure may be reformed to lessen the barrier of entry to fields of gainful employment while ensuring consumers remain protected.  Imposes a reporting requirement.  Appropriates funds.

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