Government Affairs Update
April 17, 2009
THIS WEEK AT THE LEGISLATURE...
Thursday, April 16, 2009 is Second Crossover at the Hawai‘i State Legislature.
Second Crossover is the last day for bills to receive a third reading in the receiving body (e.g., a bill that had three readings in the House, and crossed over to the Senate, must have its third and final reading on April 16). If a bill makes it through both bodies, it is either sent to a joint conference of House and Senate members to resolve version conflicts or it is transmitted to the Governor for consideration.
See which bills made Second crossover by clicking the below links:
HIGHLIGHTED BILLS
H.B. 520 Historic Preservation Act (Strongly Support)
Repeals the amendments made by Act 228, Session Laws of Hawaii 2008, which require the taking of archival photographs before conducting any demolition, construction, or alteration of any building over fifty years old or any building listed, or eligible for listing, on the Hawaii or National Register of Historic Places.
Enacted as Act 4, 2009 Session Laws of Hawai‘i.
S.B. 34 Mortgage Rescue Fraud Prevention Act (Strongly Support)
Excludes licensed real estate brokers and salespersons from the definition of distressed property consultants in the Mortgage Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Prevention Act. Prohibits real estate licensees from acquiring an ownership interest in a distressed property they have listed for up to two years.
Going to Conference Committee.
S.B. 1173 Point of Sale; Utility Bills (Oppose section of bill)
The bill currently specifies that property owners and lessors shall provide utility bills for the most recent three-month period in which the property was occupied prior to sale or lease, and allowing an exemption if the property has no utility accounts associated with it.
Going to Conference Committee.