Rep. Terez Amato

Maddy summaryHR 176 is a House Resolution (not a bill) requesting Hawaii's State Office of Elections to form a working group to study changing the state's automatic voter registration system from an opt-in model (where voters must actively register) to an opt-out model (where registration is automatic unless declined). The working group, including election officials and advocacy representatives, must recommend changes and submit a report to the Legislature by 2025. This resolution directly affects Hawaii voters and election administrators by proposing a potential shift in how voter registration is handled. It does not enact new law but seeks to evaluate a policy change aimed at improving registration convenience and participation.

Maddy summaryHCR 147 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Health, Attorney General, and Department of Law Enforcement to coordinate an enforcement plan addressing illegal dispensaries selling cannabis labeled as hemp. It directly affects these state agencies and targets the surge of over 84 illegal operators selling cannabis (with THC over 0.3%) disguised as hemp, often near schools and in high-traffic areas like Waikiki. The resolution calls for interagency coordination to address gaps in enforcement, as current rules lack specific regulations for these illicit operations, which offer unregulated products without age checks or medical requirements. It does not create new laws but requests existing agencies use their authority under Hawaii Revised Statutes and administrative rules to combat this issue.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 142) requests Hawaii’s Department of Health to create a task force that will develop minimum professional standards for community health worker training programs. The task force must include representatives from the Department of Health, community colleges, county health workers, advocacy groups, and healthcare organizations, with a report due by January 2026. It directly affects community health workers and training programs across Hawaii by aiming to establish consistent quality standards for their education and practice. The resolution does not create new law but seeks to improve workforce readiness and health outcomes through standardized training.

Maddy summaryHR 97 is a House Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Taxation to establish a one-time "Tax Amnesty Day." It would allow businesses and individuals with unpaid taxes to settle their liabilities without penalties or fines. The resolution cites Hawaii's 2009 Tax Fresh Start Program, which collected $14.4 million in unpaid taxes, as a model for increasing compliance and revenue. The request asks the Department to develop guidelines, public outreach plans, and submit a report to the Legislature by 2026. (Note: This is a procedural request, not a binding law.)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 141) urges Hawaii's Department of Health, Attorney General, and Department of Law Enforcement to create a coordinated enforcement plan addressing illegal dispensaries selling cannabis labeled as hemp. It directly affects state agencies responsible for public health and safety, noting over 84 such operations are selling unregulated cannabis near schools, airports, and residential areas without age checks or medical requirements. The resolution highlights that hemp (≤0.3% THC) and cannabis (over 0.3% THC) are chemically distinct, but illegal operators falsely label high-THC products as hemp, risking contaminated products. It references existing Hawaii laws (HRS Chapter 328G, HRS Chapter 11-37) but states no specific statutes currently cover these illegal operations. The resolution is non-binding and focuses on closing enforcement gaps, not creating new regulations.

Maddy summaryHCR 206 is a Hawaii legislative resolution condemning federal budget cuts that directly impact Hawaii residents and programs. It highlights specific effects, including the loss of approximately 2,200 federal jobs in Hawaii, projected Medicaid cuts affecting 420,000 residents, and SNAP benefit reductions threatening 600,000 people - including 70,000 children - with increased food insecurity. The resolution urges federal officials to reconsider these cuts and asks the governor to address the resulting strain on healthcare, conservation efforts, and community services. As a procedural resolution, it does not enact new policy but formally expresses Hawaii’s opposition to these federal actions.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 104) requests the State Auditor to conduct biennial management and financial audits of Hawaii's Medicaid health care insurance contractors (managed care organizations). It directly affects these contractors, requiring them to cooperate with the Auditor by providing necessary records. The resolution mandates audits to assess financial integrity, compliance with laws/regulations, and contractor performance, with the first audit due within six months of July 1, 2025. The Auditor must submit findings to the Governor, Legislature, and Human Services Director by January 2027, and every two years thereafter. This follows past issues including Medicaid overpayments and a 2023 federal review identifying gaps in fraud prevention.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution requests Hawaii's Attorney General to investigate whether crisis pregnancy centers operating in the state comply with patient privacy laws. It requires the Attorney General to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026. The resolution does not change existing laws but seeks to assess current compliance by these centers, which provide services like pregnancy testing while often promoting anti-abortion messaging.

Maddy summaryHR 144 is a House Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Taxation to create a task force to study implementing a tax surcharge on vacant residential properties. The task force would examine how a surcharge - modeled after proposed House Bill 489 - could incentivize property owners to occupy or rent out vacant homes, potentially increasing housing availability and generating revenue for affordable housing programs. The resolution specifies the task force must include representatives from tax, business, and housing agencies, and submit findings by late 2025 to inform future legislation. This is a procedural step to research policy options, not an immediate law.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution urges Maui County's Planning Department to retain the word "require" in the South Maui Community Plan regarding infrastructure. It seeks to ensure new development projects cannot proceed without first completing necessary infrastructure like roads, water systems, and utilities, preventing overdevelopment and strain on community resources. The resolution does not create new law but requests the county uphold this planning principle to support sustainable growth.