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GM 1338

Informing the Legislature that on June 27, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB427 HD2 SD2 CD1 (ACT 236).

2025 Regular Session

Act 236 renames Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to include biosecurity, enhancing measures to protect agriculture and public health through improved regulations.

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Bill Summary · GM 1338

Summary of GM 1338 - Informing the Legislature of Act 236

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: GM 1338
- Title: Informing the Legislature that on June 27, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB427 HD2 SD2 CD1 (ACT 236).
- Status: Received
- Introduced: June 27, 2025
- Classification: Proclamation
- Subject: Act 236

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of GM 1338 is to formally inform the legislature that the Governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, M.D., has signed into law House Bill 427 (HB427), which is now designated as Act 236. This act focuses on enhancing biosecurity measures within the state by restructuring the Department of Agriculture and its governing board.

Key Provisions of Act 236

  1. Renaming and Restructuring:

    • The Department of Agriculture will be renamed to the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.
    • The Board of Agriculture will be renamed to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

  2. Board Composition:

    • The board will consist of ten members:
      • One resident from each of the counties of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.
      • Four at-large members.
      • Ex officio voting members including the chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, and the Dean of the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience.

  3. Biosecurity Focus:

    • At least one member of the board must have a background in biosecurity, ensuring that biosecurity considerations are integrated into agricultural policies.

  4. Amendments to Existing Statutes:

    • Several sections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes will be amended to reflect the new structure and responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, including:
      • Transportation of Hemp: New regulations for the transportation of hemp within the state.
      • Disposal of Tuberculous Animals: Procedures for the segregation and slaughter of cattle reacting to the tuberculin test.
      • Cooperation with Federal Authorities: Enhanced cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to manage animal diseases.

  5. Standards for Food Products:

    • The act will establish official standards for grading and classifying food products, allowing the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to set additional standards as necessary.

Impact of the Bill

  • Agricultural Sector: The restructuring aims to strengthen biosecurity measures, which could lead to improved agricultural health and safety standards.
  • Public Health: Enhanced biosecurity protocols may help prevent the spread of agricultural pests and diseases, benefiting public health and the environment.
  • Regulatory Framework: The amendments to existing statutes will provide clearer guidelines for the management of agricultural products and animal health.

Procedural Aspects

  • Date of Signing: The bill was signed into law on June 27, 2025.
  • Legislative Action: The proclamation was received by the legislature on the same date, indicating prompt communication of the law's enactment.

This summary provides an overview of GM 1338 and the implications of Act 236 for the state of Hawaii, particularly in the areas of agriculture and biosecurity.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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