Rep. Terez Amato

Establishes the Hawaiʻi cannabis regulatory authority, which shall have oversight over the personal use of cannabis. Legalizes and regulates the personal use of small amounts of cannabis. Regulates the cultivation and sale of small amounts of cannabis. Transfers certain regulatory powers regarding medical cannabis dispensaries to the Hawaiʻi cannabis regulatory authority. Imposes taxes upon cannabis sales. Appropriates moneys.

Establishes the Malama Ohana working group within the office of wellness and resilience to seek, design, and recommend transformative changes to the State's child welfare system. Requires a report to the legislature. Appropriates funds to the department of human services for various support and resources for the child welfare services branch and the families they serve. Appropriates funds to the office of wellness and resilience for the working group. Effective 7/30/3000. (HD1)

Prohibits the State from denying or interfering with a patient's right to choose to obtain an abortion or to terminate a pregnancy if the termination is necessary to protect the life or health of the patient. Repeals a criminal penalty for violations of certain abortion provisions. Clarifies that advanced practice registered nurses may provide abortion care. Clarifies that physicians, osteopathic physicians, and advanced practice registered nurses may administer a medication abortion via telehealth for a patient residing in the State.

Directs state departments to implement four day, forty hour work weeks. Addresses worker concerns of traffic congestion, commuting concerns, and work life balance.

Authorizes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to issue interim rules that exempt from the public notice, public hearing, and gubernatorial approval requirements of chapter 91, HRS, after beneficiary consultation is conducted by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and upon approval by the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Limits effective time period of the interim rules to not more than eighteen months.

Establishes the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders special fund, to be administered by the department of human services, and which shall consist of federal funds and interest earned on those funds. Establishes a temporary fetal alcohol spectrum disorders task force within the department of health for administrative purposes. Requires a report to the legislature.

Requires certain patients subject to emergency hospitalization to be assessed to determine whether a surrogate or guardian is needed to make appropriate health care decisions for the patient.

Requires issuers of Medigap insurance in the State to accept an eligible individual's application for coverage at any time throughout the year and prohibits issuers from denying the applicant a Medigap policy or certificate or make any premium rate distinctions because of health status. Requires the Insurance Commissioner to amend or adopt rules accordingly.

Requires the Governor to ensure continued operation of medical facilities upon declaration of a state of emergency and during times of health or pandemic emergencies. Allows hospitals to suspend elective surgeries during the period of emergency to address the facility's bed capacity. Defines "hospital".

Beginning January 1, 2025, authorizes public schools and public charter schools to have an employee trained to administer or assist with the self-administration of seizure disorder rescue medication, with certain exemptions. Authorizes all principals, guidance counselors, and teachers to perform an annual self-review of seizure disorder materials. Allows a seizure action plan for every diagnosed student to be established and distributed to employees charged with supervising the student. Appropriates funds.