Rep. Tyson Miyake

Appropriates funds to the judiciary for services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households.

Requires the Department of Human Services to establish a Medicaid buy-in program for workers with disabilities. Requires the Department to adopt rules.

Changes the allowed absence by a primary caregiver at a community care foster family home to 48 hours in calendar week with no absence longer than 24 consecutive hours.

Maddy summaryHB 2419 lowers the minimum age requirement for substitute caregivers in community care foster family homes from the current standard to 18 years. This change directly affects youth aged 18 who may serve as substitute caregivers in foster family settings. The bill modifies Department of Health rules to allow 18-year-olds to fill these roles, previously requiring a higher age. It represents a specific policy adjustment to caregiver eligibility without altering other foster care standards. The bill is currently in committee referral after introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 2588 establishes an American Sign Language (ASL) Program at the University of Hawaii and appropriates funding for its operation. The program directly affects University of Hawaii students and future ASL interpreters by providing dedicated educational resources. Key provisions include creating the program structure and allocating state funds for its implementation. This bill represents a concrete policy change to support ASL education at the university level.

Requires state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and Agribusiness Development Corporation, that administer agricultural leases, licenses, development programs, or procurement involving agricultural products to award points or preferences to agricultural projects incorporating agricultural workforce housing. Requires a report to the Legislature.

Authorizes and appropriates moneys for the Board of Psychology to grant prescriptive authority privilege to clinical psychologists who meet specific education, training, and registration requirements. Requires the Board of Psychology to accept applications for prescriptive authority privilege beginning 7/1/2027. Requires reports to the Legislature.

Requires the Hawaii Community Development Authority to establish a Community Action Center in Chinatown. Expenditure contingent upon the City and County of Honolulu providing matching funds. Appropriation.

Requires the Department of Education to develop and implement a 100th Infantry Battalion history curricula plan beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. Establishes a one-year 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum pilot program within certain public high schools during the 2026-2027 school year. Requires a report to the Legislature.

Beginning 1/1/2027, requires health insurers, mutual benefit societies, health maintenance organizations, and health plans under the State's Medicaid managed care program to provide coverage for biomarker testing.