GOVERNOR ABERCROMBIE SIGNS EIGHT MORE BILLS INTO LAW

Honolulu – Governor Neil Abercrombie this afternoon enacted into law eight measures that were passed out of the 2011 Legislature. 

“When bills reach my desk for signature, it is the culmination of hard work and sometimes vigorous debate by lawmakers,” said Governor Abercrombie.  “The measures that I have enacted so far are bills that benefit the public in various ways.  Constituents can be assured that their senator or representative is doing his or her best to work on their behalf.”

Governor Abercrombie today signed the following bills:

• Senate Bill 27:  Removes long-term care insurance from the definition of "accident and health or sickness insurance" and related terms within the insurance code; removes reference to insurance fraud statute
• Senate Bill 35:  Amends section of motor vehicle industry licensing act to reflect updated statutory cross-references and make non-substantive technical amendments
• SB 124:  Exempts an insurer from prohibitions on cancellation or nonrenewal of a motor vehicle insurance policy; provided that the insurer offers a replacement policy that offers the same or better coverage, terms, or conditions at a lower price through an affiliate or subsidiary
• Senate Bill 704:  Exempts certain third party owners and operators of on-site renewable energy systems from regulation as public utilities by the public utilities commission
• Senate Bill 1273:  Authorizes the Insurance Commissioner to enforce consumer protections and market reforms relating to insurance of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
• Senate Bill 1346:  Amends definition of "renewable electrical energy" to include, beginning 1/1/15, customer-sited, grid-connected renewable energy generation
• House Bill 1087:  This measure amends section 353-61, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to delete the Hawaii Criminal Justice Association from the panel to nominate members of the paroling authority since the association no longer exists
• House Bill 1622:  Requires the construction of a state law enforcement memorial in the capitol district, provided private funds are solicited and used for the construction of the memorial

For more information on these measures and other legislative bills, please visit http://capitol.hawaii.gov.

A total of sixteen measures have been enacted thus far.  The Governor has until July 12, 2011 to sign into law all measures that are passed out of the state Senate and the House of Representatives.  The Legislature adjourns on May 5th.

Photos of today's bill signing can be viewed here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilabercrombie/sets/72157626579955314/

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