The Women’s Legislative Caucus holds copies of their signed bills.
Bill signings may look like just ceremonial photo ops, but they represent the culmination of a long legislative process to provide meaningful change for the community. Governor Ige reviewed 228 bills from the 2018 legislative session for legal and policy implications, along with public input. “I take all of that into account and ask, ‘Is it the right thing to do, does it do it in the right way, and does it benefit the people of Hawai‘i?’ It’s a responsibility I take very seriously,” he said.
Some of the bills the governor has signed into law this year include:
•Eight bills from the Women’s Legislative Caucus, including a paid family leave report (SB 2990), preserving Affordable Care Act benefits (SB 2340) and creation of a Sexual Assault and Training Program (HB 2131).
HPD Chief Susan Ballard and advocates join Gov. Ige and legislators for the signing of the bill banning bump stocks and other multi-burst devices.
• SB 2046 (Act 157) – Prohibits bump stocks and multi-burst devices, such as were used in the deadly Las Vegas shooting. HPD Chief Susan Ballard also announced a 30-day amnesty program to turn in bump stocks at any police station or to call 9-1-1 for officers to pick it up.
•SB 2790 (Act 105) – Expands basic rights for children in foster care.
•HB 2607 (Act 51) – Requires all public high schools in the state to offer at least one computer science course by 2021.
•SB 2087 (Act 145) – Amends the Good Samaritan Law to provide civil liability exemptions for saving someone with a rescue tube.
•SB 3058 (Act 149) – Establishes a pilot project to revitalize the Hilo Community Economic District.
•SB 2293 (Act 150) Maui Front Street Apartments – appropriates rental housing revolving funds to expedite affordable housing.
•Comprehensive bill package for the Hawai‘i Opioid Initiative, including warning labels and preventing overprescription of drugs.