SB 2098: DAB; Clean Plant Program; Establishment; Reports; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION.

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

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§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 annual progress reports 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 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, 2050.

Report Title:

DAB; Clean Plant Program; Establishment; Reports; 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.  Requires reports 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.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to agricultural production.

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

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§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.

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.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2102

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2098

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 2098 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish 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;

     (2)  Require annual progress reports to the Legislature; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; Restore the Commons; and two individuals.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii.

     Your Committee finds that the State has established essential mandates and milestone policies to support increased food production within the State.  Having access to clean plant material, effective agricultural treatments, diagnostics, and pest management tools is a critical component of the State's biosecurity system.  Your Committee further finds that supporting biosecurity measures will help protect existing agricultural operations and encourage food production expansion.  Your Committee believes that the Clean Plant Program proposed by this measure is a proactive investment to support long‑term agricultural viability in the State.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2098, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2098, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,