RELATING TO OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REFORM.

HB2393

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2393

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating
to Occupational licensing reform
.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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(c)
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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.

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(d)
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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.

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(e)
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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.

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(f)
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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.
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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.
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The task force shall be exempt from chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

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(g)
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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.
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The task force shall be
administratively supported by the department of commerce and consumer affairs.

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SECTION 2.
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There is appropriated out of the general
revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $
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or so much thereof as may be
necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the purposes of this Act.

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

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

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

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.
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Imposes a reporting
requirement.
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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.