Requires the Executive Office on Aging to develop the framework and scope of work for a proposed study that examines the feasibility, impacts, and costs of different public and private financing options for long-term care services and supports and submit a report to the Legislature. Authorizes the Executive Office on Aging to contract with the University of Hawaii. Appropriates funds. (CD1)
Requires the Department of Human Services to develop and implement a state-funded financial assistance program to offer state-funded colorectal screenings and treatment for certain persons. Requires state-funded coverage for follow-up treatment for colorectal cancer for certain persons. Requires coverage to include a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive test result. Specifies that coverage is not subject to a deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements. Appropriates funds and establishes one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position. (CD1)
By 1/1/2027, requires all state and county agencies that operate protected community locations to adopt and post written policies that identify nonpublic areas, establish procedures for warrant verification and staff response, prohibit the collection of certain immigration-status data, and require annual staff training and certain multilingual notices. Requires the Attorney General to publish model policies. (CD1)
Clarifies that community mental health outpatient programs that have agreed to provide mental health services to a defendant as part of an assisted community treatment order may prepare a certificate for assisted community treatment and provide the certificate to a defendant and may file an assisted community treatment petition with the Family Court. (CD1)
Establishes a 3-year Health Coverage Continuity Pilot Program within the Department of Human Services, in consultation with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, to assist individuals who have lost Medicaid health insurance coverage and lack access to other health insurance options. Authorizes the Department of Human Services to contract with a nonprofit health insurer or community-based organization to operate the Pilot Program under certain circumstances. Authorizes the Department of Human Services to issue premium subsidies in certain circumstances. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys. Sunsets 6/30/2029. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)
Establishes a family caregiver tax credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD1)
Requires the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, fire chiefs, Law Enforcement Standards Board, and Department of Health to make available at least one hour of dementia‑specific training for first responders, including law enforcement officers, fire first responders, and emergency medical services personnel. Requires the Executive Office on Aging to take certain steps when reviewing and recommending dementia-specific training curricula. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
SB 298 would allocate additional state funds to the Department of Human Services to expand Medicaid in-home care services. This directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries requiring in-home support, such as elderly or disabled individuals, by increasing access to these services. The bill's key provision is a funding increase for existing in-home care programs under Medicaid, effective July 1, 3000. It is currently pending committee review in the Health and Human Services committee.
Allows for the regulation of sports wagering by the Department of Law Enforcement. Establishes licensing requirements for sports wagering operators and sports wagering suppliers. Establishes a general excise tax to be levied on sports wagering operator licenses. Establishes the Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment Special Fund to be administered and expended by the Department of Health. Specifies that legal sports wagering and fantasy sports contests shall not be considered contests of chance or gambling. Authorizes DLE to perform criminal history record checks on applicants and licensees relating to sports wagering. (SD2)
HB 784 appropriates funds for an additional ambulance based in Makalei on the island of Hawaii, effective July 1, 2050. This bill directly affects emergency medical services on the island by expanding ambulance capacity in the Makalei area. The measure is a straightforward funding allocation with no additional policy changes or regulatory provisions. It was recommended for passage by the Health Committee with amendments in February 2025.
