Hawaii Bills

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SCR 30: REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF MANDATING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR BRIEF COGNITIVE ASSESSMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS FIFTY YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the State Auditor of Hawaii to assess the social and financial impacts of mandating health insurance coverage for brief cognitive assessments for individuals aged 50 and older. The resolution is tied to House Bill 1702, which proposes requiring insurers to cover these assessments to help detect early signs of cognitive decline and dementia. The Auditor must prepare a report analyzing potential costs, benefits, and effects on different populations, particularly groups at higher risk such as Native Hawaiians and individuals with Down syndrome. The report must be submitted to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the start of the 2027 legislative session.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SR 34: REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS BOTH SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF PROPOSED MANDATED HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF AUTISM AND FOR APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS SERVICES.

This Senate Resolution requests the Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of a proposed bill that would expand health insurance coverage for autism diagnosis and treatment. The measure would remove the current age limit of fourteen years and eliminate the $25,000 annual cap on applied behavioral analysis services, directly affecting individuals with autism and their families. The Auditor is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature within twenty days before the 2027 session begins. This procedural step ensures an assessment is completed before any changes to insurance mandates are finalized.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SCR 18: REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF PROPOSED MANDATED HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR INTRAVENOUS KETAMINE THERAPY TO TREAT DEPRESSION.

SCR 18 is a procedural resolution requesting Hawaii's Auditor to assess the social and financial effects of a proposed mandate requiring health insurance coverage for intravenous ketamine therapy to treat depression. This assessment is required by Hawaii law (HRS § 23-51) before the Legislature can consider Senate Bill 967, which proposes the coverage mandate. The Auditor must submit a report to the Legislature by a deadline set for the 2027 Regular Session to inform their decision on SB 967.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SCR 24: SUPPORTING THE GOVERNOR'S DECISION TO JOIN THE WEST COAST HEALTH ALLIANCE TO GUIDE PUBLIC HEALTH DECISIONS.

This is a symbolic concurrent resolution (SCR 24), not a law. It expresses the Hawaii State Senate's support for the Governor joining the West Coast Health Alliance - a regional collaboration with California, Oregon, and Washington. The resolution affirms Hawaii's commitment to using science-based public health strategies and sharing data with partner states to address challenges like workforce shortages and emerging health threats. It does not create new policies or directly affect residents, as it serves only to endorse the Governor's decision.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SR 21: SUPPORTING THE GOVERNOR'S DECISION TO JOIN THE WEST COAST HEALTH ALLIANCE TO GUIDE PUBLIC HEALTH DECISIONS.

This Senate Resolution (SR 21) supports Hawaii's decision to join the West Coast Health Alliance, a regional collaboration with California, Oregon, and Washington. It does not create new laws but formally endorses the state's participation to share public health data, coordinate responses to health crises, and develop science-based strategies. The resolution emphasizes collaboration while maintaining Hawaii's unique approach to public health. It directs certified copies to the governors and health directors of the participating states.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 896: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Based solely on the provided context, SB 896 is a procedural education-related bill with no substantive details available in the official abstract or summary. The bill was introduced on January 17, 2025, referred to the Education committee, and carried over to the 2026 session, with a public hearing scheduled for February 11, 2026. No specific provisions, policy changes, or affected groups are described in the given information. Since the abstract states "Short form bill" and no content about the bill's purpose or mechanisms is provided, a substantive summary cannot be generated.

passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 916: RELATING TO THE LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT.

Allows tax credits claimed under the State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program to be used to offset taxes imposed by the state transient accommodations tax law. Specifies that tax credit amounts applied to state transient accommodations taxes be limited to state transient accommodations taxes imposed in the same county in which the qualified low-income building is located. Makes permanent Act 129, SLH 2016. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2027. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 276: RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.

Excludes a homeowner-developer from the annual requirement to file a developer's report and pay a fee if the homeowner's development consists of no more than two units, one in which the developer has resided as their principal place of residence for at least ten years and one for which the initial sale of the other unit has been completed, subject to certain conditions. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 494: RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.

Requires the Auditor to conduct a financial audit of each charter school under the State Public Charter School Commission. Requires a report to the Legislature. Requires the State Public Charter School Commission to take action based on the Auditor's recommendations. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 812: RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Authorizes a contract for the purchase of local produce having a value of more than $25,000 to be for a term of at least five years, under certain conditions. Effective 1/1/2525. (SD1)

passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1307: RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.

Establishes the Geothermal Revolving Fund for loans for water well development for geophysical investigation, exploration, and identification of geothermal resources on Hawaiian home lands. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1247: RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS.

Allows a party aggrieved by the judgment of a circuit court on a minimum term order to appeal to the Intermediate Appellate Court. Requires prisoners to be represented by counsel in any petition challenging the minimum term proceedings. Requires the Supreme Court to establish rules. Establishes grounds for challenging a minimum term order. Appropriates funds. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill results