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GM 1209

Informing the Legislature that on May 29, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB1522 HD2 CD1 (ACT 109).

2025 Regular Session

Act 109 protects vehicle sellers from liability after ownership transfer, clarifies responsibilities for buyers, and mandates judiciary updates for smoother title processes.

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Bill Summary · GM 1209

Summary of GM 1209: Informing the Legislature of Act 109

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: GM 1209
- Title: Informing the Legislature that on May 29, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB1522 HD2 CD1 (ACT 109).
- Status: Received
- Introduced: May 29, 2025
- Classification: Proclamation
- Subject: Act 109

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of GM 1209 is to formally inform the legislature that the Governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, M.D., signed into law Senate Bill 1522, which is now designated as Act 109. This act addresses issues related to vehicle title transfers in the state, specifically focusing on the liabilities faced by vehicle transferors (the original owners) when transferring ownership to a new buyer (the transferee).

Key Provisions of Act 109

  1. Liability Clarification:

    • The act clarifies that a transferor who has filed the required notice forms with the county director of finance is protected from liability for any civil or criminal actions arising from the use, operation, or abandonment of the vehicle by the transferee.

  2. Judiciary Requirements:

    • By July 1, 2026, the judiciary is mandated to assess whether new forms or modifications to the judiciary's website are necessary to assist vehicle transferors. If needed, the judiciary will create these forms or make the necessary modifications.

  3. Amendments to Existing Law:

    • The act amends Section 286-52 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, detailing the procedures for transferring vehicle titles and the responsibilities of both transferors and transferees. This includes:
      • Requirements for signatures and addresses on the certificate of ownership.
      • A fee structure for late submissions of title transfers.
      • Conditions under which the transfer of title is deemed incomplete.

Impact of Act 109

  • Transferors: The legislation aims to protect transferors from ongoing liabilities associated with vehicles they no longer own, addressing a significant concern that has been highlighted in media reports.
  • Transferees: The act establishes clearer responsibilities for transferees regarding the timely filing of ownership documents, thereby promoting accountability.
  • Judiciary and County Finance Departments: The judiciary will need to evaluate and potentially update their processes and resources to facilitate smoother vehicle title transfers.

Procedural Aspects

  • Date of Signing: The bill was signed into law on May 29, 2025.
  • Implementation Timeline: The judiciary is required to report on necessary changes by July 1, 2026, which indicates a timeline for the implementation of some provisions of the act.

In summary, GM 1209 serves as a formal notification of the enactment of Act 109, which seeks to reform vehicle title transfer processes in Hawaii, providing clarity and protection for vehicle owners during ownership transitions.

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

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