Bill > SB3084

This bill expands the types of federal research and development (R&D) grants and awards that the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) can provide matching funds for, aiming to help Hawaii businesses better leverage federal investments in technology. Previously, the HTDC could only offer grants to businesses applying for or receiving specific federal programs like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants. Now, the HTDC can provide grants to any business that applies for a federal R&D grant or receives a federal R&D award or contract that requires the business to contribute non-federal funds as a match, with an exception for businesses primarily focused on developing or testing weapons or munitions. This change is intended to make state funding more flexible and accessible to a broader range of businesses seeking federal R&D support, thereby strengthening Hawaii's R&D ecosystem. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2050.