Bill > SB2151

This bill aims to clarify and refine the state and local government's authority during declared states of emergency, particularly in light of experiences like the COVID-19 pandemic. It introduces a definition for "severe weather warning" to encompass official alerts about dangerous weather conditions. Crucially, it amends the definitions of "disaster" and "emergency" to limit the use of emergency powers to sudden events that cause or are likely to cause catastrophic harm or immediate danger, thereby preventing the broad application of emergency powers for less severe situations. The bill also introduces new provisions that allow the State Legislature to terminate a governor's declared state of emergency and city councils to terminate a mayor's declared local state of emergency, enhancing democratic oversight. Additionally, it prohibits suspending deadlines for public records requests and vital records requests during emergencies, though reasonable delays are permitted, and clarifies that agencies cannot reject such requests. The bill also imposes stricter conditions on the governor's and mayors' ability to suspend laws during emergencies, requiring them to specify the laws suspended, the emergency functions facilitated, and justify the suspension based on public health and safety, with provisions for continuing suspensions beyond the emergency period for infrastructure repairs.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2151&year=2026