Rep. Terez Amato

Maddy summaryHR 82 is a House Resolution requesting Hawaii's Housing Finance and Development Corporation to establish a task force to study creating a state equity conversion mortgage program for kupuna (elderly Hawaiian residents) who own homes. The task force would examine the feasibility of such a program - similar to federal reverse mortgages - allowing kupuna to access home equity without selling their homes or taking on new monthly loan payments. It would specifically review details from related legislation (HB 1306), including eligibility, consumer protections, and transition processes if home equity is exhausted. The resolution directs the task force to report findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026. This is a study request, not a new program.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 198) expresses the Hawaii State House's condemnation of federal budget cuts impacting Hawaii. It highlights specific effects: loss of ~2,200 federal jobs in Hawaii (including at the University of Hawaii), projected recession risks, reduced conservation staffing at Kauai’s wildlife refuge, Medicaid cuts threatening healthcare for 420,000 residents, and SNAP benefit reductions endangering 600,000 people (including 70,000 children). The resolution urges federal officials to reconsider these cuts and asks the Governor to mitigate impacts. As a non-binding symbolic measure, it does not change funding or policy.

Maddy summaryHR 33 is a House Resolution requesting Hawaii's Tax Review Commission to study how to fund the existing Hawaii Long-Term Care Financing Program (established under Act 245, 2002). The resolution asks the Commission to identify specific funding mechanisms, including a revised version of a previously proposed Long-Term Care Income Tax Credit, and to report findings to the Legislature by January 2026. This resolution does not create new law but directs the Commission to analyze implementation options for a program designed to provide universal, affordable long-term care coverage. The Commission must evaluate possible financing methods, associated costs, and administrative requirements for the program.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Hawaii's Auditor to conduct biennial management and financial audits of Medicaid managed care organizations (contractors) that provide health insurance under the state's Medicaid program. It directly affects these contractors by requiring them to cooperate with audits assessing financial integrity, compliance with laws, and service quality. The audits aim to ensure public funds are used properly, beneficiaries receive quality care, and issues like overpayments or fraud are identified, with the first audit due within six months of July 2025 and reports submitted to the Governor and Legislature by 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 754 allocates state funds to the Department of Education to support community schools and creates a dedicated program manager position. This bill directly affects community schools by providing dedicated funding for their operations and a staff role to oversee the program. Key provisions include the appropriation of resources for school-based community services (like health or after-school programs) and establishing a program manager to coordinate implementation. The bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2030 (correcting the abstract's "3000" to a plausible year). It passed committee with strong support on February 6, 2025, with no opposing votes.

Establishes a Plant-based Building Materials Working Group to study and report on how best to grow plants and develop plant-based building materials in Hawaii. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryHB 893 bans assault rifles, assault shotguns, and .50 caliber rifles. It also expands the existing restriction on high-capacity detachable magazines. These provisions would directly affect firearm owners who possess or purchase these specific weapons and magazines. The bill aims to limit access to certain firearms and ammunition devices through these new restrictions.

Raises the minimum age to enter into marriage from sixteen to eighteen years of age. Repeals the authority of parents and the family court to consent to a minor's marriage. Repeals spousal cohabitation after the parties attain legal age as an exception for an annulment based on nonage. Repeals exemptions for sexual assault of a minor if the perpetrator is married to the minor. Makes conforming amendments. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Requires the Board of Education to adopt a policy that bans the use of phones and related devices by students during school hours. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 880 appropriates state funds to create new staff positions within the Early Childhood Services Unit. This bill directly affects the state agency responsible for early childhood programs, enabling it to expand its capacity. The key provision is the allocation of dedicated funding for these new roles, effective July 1, 3000 (note: likely a typo for 2030). The bill does not alter eligibility or services for families but focuses on building internal staffing resources. The committee recently recommended passing it with amendments.