HB 2549: DAB; Clean Plant Program; Establishment; Report; Appropriation
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-03-25
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-03-30: Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Establishes a Clean Plant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to support the production, maintenance, and distribution of disease-free, clean plant material to growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
Establishes a Clean Plant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to support the production, maintenance, and distribution of disease-free, clean plant material to growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes a Clean Plant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to support the production, maintenance, and distribution of disease-free, clean plant material to growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State. Appropriates funds.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2549 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
"§141- Clean plant program. (a) There is established within the department of agriculture and biosecurity a clean plant program to support the production, maintenance, and distribution of disease-free, clean plant material for growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State.
(b) The clean plant program shall:
(1) Obtain plant materials from sources within the State and outside of the State;
(2) Diagnostically screen the plant materials to ensure the materials are free of harmful insects and diseases;
(3) Propagate these disease- and insect-free plant materials;
(4) Facilitate the distribution of clean plant material to growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State;
(5) Undertake activities required to optimize the production, maintenance, and distribution of clean plant material;
(6) Assess the economic impact of the clean plant program; and
(7) Perform other functions and activities that may be assigned by law.
(c) In developing the program required by this section, the department of agriculture and biosecurity may consult and partner with:
(1) Growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers; and
(2) Agricultural research institutions.
(d) The department of agriculture and biosecurity shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary for the clean plant program, including but not limited to:
(1) The scope of agricultural crops and program services to be prioritized; and
(2) Processes for program quality coordination and management.
(e) The department of agriculture and biosecurity shall submit an annual progress report on the clean plant program to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."
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 to develop and implement the clean plant program established by section 1 of this Act.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture and biosecurity for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DAB; Clean Plant Program; Establishment; Report; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes a Clean Plant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to support the production, maintenance, and distribution of disease-free, clean plant material to growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2549 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
"§141- Clean plant program. (a) There is established within the department of agriculture and biosecurity a clean plant program to support the production, maintenance, and distribution of disease-free, clean plant material for growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State.
(b) The clean plant program shall:
(1) Obtain plant materials from sources within the State and outside of the State;
(2) Diagnostically screen the plant materials to ensure the materials are free of harmful insects and diseases;
(3) Propagate these disease- and insect-free plant materials;
(4) Facilitate the distribution of clean plant material to growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State;
(5) Undertake activities required to optimize the production, maintenance, and distribution of clean plant material;
(6) Assess the economic impact of the clean plant program; and
(7) Perform other functions and activities that may be assigned by law.
(c) In developing the program required by this section, the department of agriculture and biosecurity may consult and partner with:
(1) Growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers; and
(2) Agricultural research institutions.
(d) The department of agriculture and biosecurity shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary for the clean plant program, including but not limited to:
(1) The scope of agricultural crops and program services to be prioritized; and
(2) Processes for program quality coordination and management.
(e) The department of agriculture and biosecurity shall submit an annual progress report on the clean plant program to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."
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 to develop and implement the clean plant program established by section 1 of this Act.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture and biosecurity for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DAB; Clean Plant Program; Establishment; Report; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes a Clean Plant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to support the production, maintenance, and distribution of disease-free, clean plant material to growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2549 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to agricultural production.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
"§141- Clean plant program. (a) There is established within the department of agriculture and biosecurity a clean plant program to support the production, maintenance, and distribution of disease-free, clean plant material for growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State.
(b) The clean plant program shall:
(1) Obtain plant materials from sources within the State and outside of the State;
(2) Diagnostically screen the plant materials to ensure the materials are free of harmful insects and diseases;
(3) Propagate these disease- and insect-free plant materials;
(4) Facilitate the distribution of clean plant material to growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State;
(5) Undertake activities required to optimize the production, maintenance, and distribution of clean plant material;
(6) Assess the economic impact of the clean plant program; and
(7) Perform other functions and activities that may be assigned by law.
(c) In developing the program required by this section, the department of agriculture and biosecurity may consult and partner with:
(1) Growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers; and
(2) Agricultural research institutions.
(d) The department of agriculture and biosecurity shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary for the clean plant program, including but not limited to:
(1) The scope of agricultural crops and program services to be prioritized; and
(2) Processes for program quality coordination and management.
(e) The department of agriculture and biosecurity shall submit an annual progress report on the clean plant program to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."
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 to develop and implement the clean plant program established by section 1 of this Act.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture and biosecurity for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
DAB; Clean Plant Program; Establishment; Report; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes a Clean Plant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to support the production, maintenance, and distribution of disease-free, clean plant material to growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State. 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.
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Date
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Status
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| Mar 30, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from AEN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3226) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in AEN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Gabbard, Richards, Rhoads, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) DeCoite. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | The committee(s) on AEN has scheduled a public hearing on 03-23-26 3:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Referred to AEN, WAM. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 219). |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Perruso, Sayama excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 926-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 16 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 27, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Tuesday, 03-03-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Pierick voting no (1) and Representative(s) Quinlan excused (1). |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Reported from AGR (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 598-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Feb 18, 2026 | The committee on AGR recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Chun, Kusch, Kahaloa, Lowen, Perruso, Quinlan, Matsumoto; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 13, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by AGR on Wednesday, 02-18-26 9:30AM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 2, 2026 | Referred to AGR, FIN, referral sheet 6 |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Mar 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment |
Passed |
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| Mar 6, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Feb 18, 2026 | The committee on AGR recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| Board of Agriculture | *** Support | Feb 18, 2026 |
| Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity | *** Support | Mar 23, 2026 |
| Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity | *** Support | Mar 23, 2026 |
| Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council | *** Support | Mar 23, 2026 |
| Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau | *** Support | Mar 23, 2026 |
| Office of Hawaiian Affairs | ** Support | |
| Reforestation Policy Hui | *** Support | Mar 23, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 926-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2549
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2549, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; Reforestation Policy Hui; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; and two individuals.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2549, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ CHRIS TODD, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 598-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2549
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 2549 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.
Your Committee finds that the use of clean plant material allows producers to begin production with a clean slate, reducing the risk of introducing pests and diseases into farms, fields, and ranches, and minimizing the spread of contaminants to other crops and operations. Your Committee further finds that the establishment of the Clean Plant Program will foster the use of clean plant material, which will protect existing agricultural operations, encourage responsible expansion, and reinforce the State's commitment to strong biosecurity practices.
Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2549, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2549, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,
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____________________________ CORY CHUN, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Mar 23, 2026 | HB2549_HD1_TESTIMONY_AEN_03-23-26_.PDF |
| Mar 3, 2026 | HB2549_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_03-03-26_.PDF |
| Feb 18, 2026 | HB2549_TESTIMONY_AGR_02-18-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment
33SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment
48SEC
House Standing Committee on Finance
3MIN
House Standing Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):