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HCR 79

SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Recognizes June 4, 2025, as Opportunity Youth Day at the state capitol

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Ventrella

HCR 79 calls for the Hawaii Insurance Commissioner to study reforming or eliminating statewide title insurance to reduce upfront home-buying costs, and report findings and recommen

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HCR 79

Summary — HCR 79 (Concurrent Resolution)

Note: The submitted document contains mixed/duplicated text from several resolutions (references to the USS Delaware, an “Opportunity Youth Day” title, and a Hawaii concurrent resolution on title insurance). This summary focuses on the clear substantive text that corresponds to HCR 79 as introduced in the Hawaii Legislature: a concurrent resolution requesting a study of title insurance reform to reduce home‑ownership barriers.

Purpose and intent

HCR 79 requests that the Hawaii Insurance Commissioner study the potential impacts of reforming or eliminating statewide title insurance requirements as a way to reduce upfront costs and other financial barriers to home ownership. The resolution frames title insurance as a one‑time payment intended to protect buyers from unknown claims affecting property ownership, and posits that its cost can be a barrier for prospective homeowners.

Key provisions

  • Requests the Insurance Commissioner to study the impacts of:
    • Reforming title insurance requirements, or
    • Eliminating title insurance statewide, with the aim of reducing financial barriers to home ownership.
  • Asks the Insurance Commissioner to submit a written report of findings and recommendations — including any proposed legislation — to the Legislature.
  • Sets the report deadline as no later than 20 days prior to the Regular Session of 2026.
  • Requests that a certified copy of the concurrent resolution be transmitted to the Insurance Commissioner.

Who would be affected

  • Prospective and current homeowners in Hawaii (potentially lower upfront closing costs if changes are recommended).
  • Title insurance companies and title agents, who could see changes in demand or regulation.
  • Mortgage lenders and real estate professionals, whose processes and risk practices may change if title insurance requirements are altered.
  • State regulatory agencies (Insurance Division / Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs) tasked with evaluating and implementing any reforms.

Potential impact

  • The study could produce recommendations that lead to changes in statutory requirements, regulatory oversight, or market practices related to title insurance.
  • Short term: informational — no immediate legal or financial change; only a study and report are required.
  • Medium/long term: possible legislation to reduce costs or modify the compulsory use/format of title insurance, which could alter closing costs, risk allocation, and industry practices.

Procedural status and timeline (as provided)

  • Introduced/Filed: February 19, 2025
  • Offered: March 7, 2025; referred to committees in March 2025
  • Passed both chambers / concurrence and enrollment steps completed in early June 2025 (document records signing by presiding officers and transmission to the Secretary of State in early June 2025)
  • Report due from the Insurance Commissioner: 20 days before the Regular Session of 2026

Sponsors and related measures

  • Primary sponsors listed: MIYAKE and Lauren Ventrella
  • Companion/related bill: SCR 28

No budget, implementation details, or statutory text changes are contained in the resolution — it is a study request and informational measure, not a law or binding regulatory change.

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

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