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Bill

Bill

SB 1468

RELATING TO GENERAL EXCISE TAX EXEMPTIONS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Kouchi

SB 1468 expands general excise tax exemptions for patient-centered care programs and sugar cane growers, boosting healthcare access and supporting agriculture in Hawaii.

Reported from AEN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 465) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1468

Summary of SB 1468: Relating to General Excise Tax Exemptions

Bill Number: SB 1468
Introduced On: January 21, 2025
Current Status: Reported from AEN with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1), and referred to WAM.
Related Bill: HB 1149 (companion)

Purpose and Intent

SB 1468 aims to amend existing general excise tax (GET) exemptions to support specific sectors, particularly focusing on patient-centered community care programs and sugar cane growers. The bill seeks to alleviate financial burdens on these entities, thereby promoting health care accessibility and agricultural sustainability.

Key Provisions

  • GET Exemptions: The bill proposes to expand or modify the current GET exemptions applicable to patient-centered community care programs. This is intended to enhance the financial viability of these programs, which are crucial for providing comprehensive health services to communities.

  • Support for Sugar Cane Growers: The legislation also includes provisions that would benefit sugar cane growers by potentially exempting them from certain GET obligations. This is aimed at supporting the agricultural sector, which has faced economic challenges.

Impact

  • Healthcare Sector: By providing GET exemptions to patient-centered community care programs, the bill is expected to improve funding for health services, making them more accessible to the public. This could lead to better health outcomes for communities reliant on these services.

  • Agricultural Sector: The exemptions for sugar cane growers are designed to bolster the agricultural economy, helping farmers reduce operational costs and remain competitive in the market.

Legislative Process and Timeline

  • January 21, 2025: Bill introduced and passed First Reading.
  • January 27, 2025: Referred to the Agriculture and Environment (AEN) and Ways and Means (WAM) committees.
  • February 7, 2025: A public hearing was scheduled for February 10, 2025.
  • February 10, 2025: The AEN committee recommended the bill be passed with amendments, and it was adopted.
  • February 13, 2025: The bill passed its Second Reading as amended (SD 1) and was referred to the WAM committee for further consideration.

Conclusion

SB 1468 represents a strategic effort to enhance the financial sustainability of critical health care programs and support the agricultural sector in Hawaii. As it moves through the legislative process, stakeholders in both the healthcare and agricultural communities will be closely monitoring its progress and potential impacts.

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

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