SB 1419 Hawaii Senate · 2025 Regular Session

RELATING TO ACT 253, SESSION LAWS OF HAWAII 2023.

Summary

Updates the name of the Neighbor Islands Blind and Visually Impaired Service Pilot Program established by Act 253, SLH 2023, by replacing the term "visually impaired" with the term "low vision" and clarifies the pilot program's implementation timeframes. Sunsets 6/30/2029. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2025

Senate Passage

Mar 2025

House Passage

Apr 2025

Governor

Introduced Jan 21, 2025 Last action Apr 24, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

SB1419_HD2 → SB1419_SD1 · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates the Neighbor Islands Blind and Visually Impaired Service Pilot Program by renaming it to use the less stigmatizing term "low vision" and clarifying its implementation timeline. The program will now sunset on July 30, 2029, rather than beginning in 2024 as previously stated, and requires a working group to submit an implementation plan by February 2026. The bill also expands service provisions to include peer-to-peer outreach, counseling, technology training, and advocacy assistance, all to be delivered by trained volunteers.

Scope change

The bill modifies the program's scope by renaming it to reduce stigma, extending its sunset date to 2029, and adding requirements for a working group to develop an implementation plan before the 2026 legislative session.

DEFINITION

Renamed the program from "visually impaired" to "low vision" to use less stigmatizing language.

Added new definitions for "Department," "Neighbor island," "Pilot program," "Program participant," and "Special needs transportation."

TIMELINE

Changed the program's sunset date from January 1, 2024 to July 30, 2029, and removed the requirement that it begin no later than January 1, 2024.

REQUIREMENT

Requires a working group of neighbor island residents with visual disabilities to develop an implementation plan and submit it to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2026 regular session.

Mandates that all program services be provided by volunteers recruited, trained, and supervised by the Department of Human Services or a contracted nonprofit organization.

Expanded the list of services to include peer-to-peer outreach, sight loss adjustment, peer counseling, mobility training, telecommunications access, technology training, daily living skills, orientation and mobility, and advocacy assistance.

Added requirements for a nonprofit organization to recruit and supervise volunteer service corps members, with the organization's management team majority consisting of blind or low vision individuals.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 10, 2025

Amended

Senate disagrees with House amendments.

upper

Apr 10, 2025

Introduced

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 687).

upper

Apr 8, 2025

Lower · Passed

Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Pierick voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cochran, Marten excused (2). Transmitted to Senate.

lower

Mar 28, 2025

Lower · Passed

The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 14 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Alcos, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Hussey, Ward.

lower

Mar 18, 2025

Committee

Reported from HSH (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1342) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN.

lower

Mar 13, 2025

Lower · Passed

The committee on HSH recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Marten, Olds, Amato, Chun, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Takayama, Takenouchi, Alcos, Garcia; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none.

lower

Mar 6, 2025

Committee

Referred to HSH, FIN, referral sheet 19

lower

Mar 4, 2025

Introduced

Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 326) in amended form (SD 1).

lower

Mar 4, 2025

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.

upper

Feb 27, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.

upper

Feb 24, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-27-25 10:26AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference.

upper

Feb 12, 2025

Committee

Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 328) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.

upper

Feb 3, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HHS were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Aquino, Hashimoto, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Keohokalole.

upper

Jan 31, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 02-03-25 1:00PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 27, 2025

Committee

Referred to HHS, WAM.

upper

Jan 23, 2025

Introduced

Introduced and passed First Reading.

upper

Jan 21, 2025

Introduced

Pending Introduction.

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors