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Bill

SB 149

RELATING TO ACCESSIBILITY.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Henry Aquino and 7 co-sponsors

Hawaii SB 149 addresses accessibility requirements, likely affecting businesses and government in serving people with disabilities, but faces debate over compliance costs and enforcement scope.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#accessibility #discriminationinpublicaccommodations #discriminatorypractices #informationandcommunicationtechnology #personswithdisabilities
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Bill Summary · SB 149

Legislative bill overview

SB 149 is a Hawaii bill focused on accessibility, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the available information. Based on its referral to committees covering consumer protection, health, labor, and judiciary matters, it likely addresses accessibility requirements for public accommodations, employment, or digital services. The bill has been carried over to the 2026 legislative session after initial introduction in January 2025.

Why is this important

Accessibility legislation affects how businesses, government agencies, and digital platforms serve people with disabilities. Such bills can mandate physical access modifications, reasonable accommodations in employment, or compliance with accessibility standards—directly impacting costs for regulated entities and access rights for vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs: Businesses may face significant expenses implementing accessibility modifications, with debate over who bears these costs and timeframes for compliance
  • Scope and standards: Disagreement over what qualifies as "accessibility" (physical, digital, employment-based) and which specific standards apply (ADA compliance, newer technology standards, etc.)
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Questions about regulatory authority, penalties for non-compliance, and whether enforcement creates administrative burdens or appropriate accountability

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

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