HB 2594: DAB; Insurance; Small Agricultural Producers; Study; Report; Appropriation
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-03-23
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-03-24: 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
What does this bill do?
This bill requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to study insurance coverage for small agricultural producers and report its findings to the Legislature. The study must assess a state-supported group insurance or purchasing pool, define “small agricultural producer,” review private insurance options, explore public–private partnerships, identify legal or regulatory barriers, evaluate agency roles in helping farmers with risk and insurance, and convene stakeholders, and it provides funding for the study.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to conduct a study on insurance coverage for small agricultural producers. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Directs the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to conduct a study on insurance coverage for small agricultural producers. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Directs the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to conduct a study on insurance coverage for small agricultural producers. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2594 |
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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 AGRICULTURE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(b) As part of the study, the department of agriculture and biosecurity shall:
(1) Evaluate the feasibility of a state-supported group insurance program or purchasing pool for small agricultural producers;
(2) Develop criteria that would define a "small agricultural producer";
(3) Evaluate existing private sector insurance programs and products dedicated to small agricultural producers;
(4) Explore public-private partnerships with insurers to offer farm-specific coverage products;
(5) Identify statutory or regulatory barriers that limit insurance availability for farms;
(6) Assess the role of existing agencies in providing technical assistance or centralized intake for farm business risks and insurance inquiries; and
(7) Partner with relevant state and county agencies to convene stakeholders, provide technical input from the agricultural perspective, and coordinate with farmers and insurers.
(c) The department of agriculture and biosecurity 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 the regular session of 2028.
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 a study on insurance coverage for small agricultural producers.
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, 2050.
Report Title:
DAB; Insurance; Small Agricultural Producers; Study; Report; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to conduct a study on insurance coverage for small agricultural producers. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (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. |
2594 |
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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 AGRICULTURE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(b) As part of the study, the department of agriculture and biosecurity shall:
(1) Evaluate the feasibility of a state-supported group insurance program or purchasing pool for small agricultural producers;
(2) Develop criteria that would define a "small agricultural producer";
(3) Evaluate existing private sector insurance programs and products dedicated to small agricultural producers;
(4) Explore public-private partnerships with insurers to offer farm-specific coverage products;
(5) Identify statutory or regulatory barriers that limit insurance availability for farms;
(6) Assess the role of existing agencies in providing technical assistance or centralized intake for farm business risks and insurance inquiries; and
(7) Partner with relevant state and county agencies to convene stakeholders, provide technical input from the agricultural perspective, and coordinate with farmers and insurers.
(c) The department of agriculture and biosecurity 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 the regular session of 2028.
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 a study on insurance coverage for small agricultural producers.
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; Insurance; Small Agricultural Producers; Study; Report; Appropriation
Description:
Directs the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to conduct a study on insurance coverage for small agricultural producers. Requires a report to the Legislature. 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. |
2594 |
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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 agriculture.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(b) As part of the study, the department of agriculture and biosecurity shall:
(1) Evaluate the feasibility of a state-supported group insurance program or purchasing pool for small agricultural producers;
(2) Develop criteria that would define a "small agricultural producer";
(3) Evaluate existing private sector insurance programs and products dedicated to small agricultural producers;
(4) Explore public-private partnerships with insurers to offer farm-specific coverage products;
(5) Identify statutory or regulatory barriers that limit insurance availability for farms;
(6) Assess the role of existing agencies in providing technical assistance or centralized intake for farm business risks and insurance inquiries; and
(7) Partner with relevant state and county agencies to convene stakeholders, provide technical input from the agricultural perspective, and coordinate with farmers and insurers.
(c) The department of agriculture and biosecurity 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 the regular session of 2027.
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 a study on insurance coverage for small agricultural producers.
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; Insurance; Small Agricultural Producers; Study; Report; Appropriation
Description:
Directs the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to conduct a study on insurance coverage for small agricultural producers. Requires a report to the Legislature. 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 24, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 24, 2026 | Reported from AEN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3155) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 16, 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, DeCoite, Rhoads; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Awa. |
| Mar 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on AEN has scheduled a public hearing on 03-16-26 3:05PM; 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. 224). |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Pierick voting no (1) and Representative(s) Perruso, Sayama excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 927-26), 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 17, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Lee, M., Poepoe excused (3). |
| Feb 17, 2026 | Reported from AGR (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 326-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Feb 11, 2026 | The committee on AGR recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Chun, Kusch, Kahaloa, Perruso, Matsumoto; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Lowen, Quinlan. |
| Feb 6, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by AGR on Wednesday, 02-11-26 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 16, 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 11, 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 and Biosecurity | *** Support | Mar 16, 2026 |
| Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity | *** Support | Mar 3, 2026 |
| Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity | *** Support | Mar 16, 2026 |
| Hawai'i Farm Bureau | *** Support | Mar 16, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Farmers Union | *** Support | Mar 16, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy | ** Support | |
| Maui Chamber of Commerce | *** Support | Mar 16, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 927-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2594
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. 2594, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; and one individual.
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. 2594, 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. 326-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2594
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. 2594 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; and three individuals.
Your Committee finds that many Hawaii farms are smaller diversified agricultural operations that face significant difficulties in securing affordable insurance protection. The existing insurance infrastructure is largely built for large-scale monoculture operations, and insurance products, such as crop insurance, may have reporting requirements beyond the capability of these smaller farm operations. The study required by this measure will help identify insurance challenges and regulatory barriers for smaller operations in obtaining insurance coverage and possible solutions or remedies.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the deadline for the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to submit its report to the Legislature regarding the study on insurance coverage for small agricultural producers to twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2028; and
(2) 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. 2594, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2594, 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 16, 2026 | HB2594_HD1_TESTIMONY_AEN_03-16-26_.PDF |
| Mar 3, 2026 | HB2594_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_03-03-26_.PDF |
| Feb 11, 2026 | HB2594_TESTIMONY_AGR_02-11-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
4MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment
40SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment
26SEC
House Standing Committee on Finance
2MIN
House Standing Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems
46SEC
