Insurance; prohibit insurers from conditioning the payment of any medical test or procedure or prescription drug benefit on prior authorization

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michelle Au and 4 co-sponsors

HB 654 establishes a Building Benchmarking Program for state buildings in Hawaiʻi, requiring energy reporting to enhance efficiency and support sustainability goals.

House Second Readers

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Summary of Bill HB 654: Relating to Buildings

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 654
- Title: Relating to Buildings
- Status: Carried over to 2024 Regular Session
- Introduced: January 17, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject Areas: Appropriation ($), Benchmarking Data, Building Benchmarking Program, ENERGY STAR, Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Reporting, State Buildings

Purpose and Intent

Bill HB 654 aims to enhance the energy efficiency of state buildings in Hawaiʻi through the establishment of a Building Benchmarking Program. The intent is to promote sustainable practices and reduce energy consumption across state facilities, thereby contributing to the state's broader energy goals.

Key Provisions

Establishment of a Building Benchmarking Program: The bill proposes the creation of a program to collect and analyze energy usage data from state buildings.

Reporting Requirements: State agencies would be required to report their energy consumption data, which will be used to assess performance and identify areas for improvement.

Incorporation of ENERGY STAR Standards: The bill emphasizes the use of ENERGY STAR benchmarks, which are recognized standards for energy efficiency.

Funding Appropriations: The bill includes provisions for appropriating funds necessary for the implementation of the benchmarking program and related activities.

Affected Parties

State Agencies: All state buildings and agencies will be directly impacted as they will need to comply with the new reporting and benchmarking requirements.

Hawaiʻi State Energy Office: This office will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of the program and ensuring compliance with the established standards.

Public and Private Sector Stakeholders: The bill may also affect contractors, energy consultants, and other stakeholders involved in building management and energy efficiency initiatives.

Procedural Timeline

January 21, 2025: Referred to the committees on Housing (HSG), Water and Land (WAL), and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA).

January 21, 2025: Passed First Reading.

December 11, 2023: Carried over to the 2024 Regular Session.

March 23, 2023: Passed Second Reading and referred to the Ways and Means (WAM) committee.

March 21, 2023: Recommended for passage by the committees on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism (EET) and Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM).

February 27, 2023: Passed Second Reading as amended and referred to the Committee on Finance (FIN).

February 15, 2023: Reported from the Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce (CPC) as amended.

Related Legislation

Companion Bill: SB 1149, which addresses similar issues related to building energy efficiency and benchmarking.

This summary provides an overview of HB 654, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and the implications for state buildings and agencies in Hawaiʻi. The bill reflects a commitment to improving energy efficiency and sustainability in state operations.