Rep. Terez Amato

Clarifies and strengthens the State's protections against sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, and retaliation that occur in public schools, public charter schools, or at the University of Hawaii, including discrimination based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and pregnancy-related conditions. Establishes procedures for investigations and decision-making. Requires mandatory reporting by certain employees.

Amends the Hawaii State Constitution to prohibit the State from denying or interfering with an individual's reproductive freedom, including the right to choose to obtain an abortion and to obtain or use contraceptives.

Maddy summaryHB 893 prohibits the sale, possession, and transfer of assault rifles, assault shotguns, and .50 caliber rifles within the state. It also expands existing restrictions by banning high-capacity detachable magazines. The bill directly affects residents who currently own or seek to purchase these specific firearms and magazines. Key provisions establish new criminal penalties for violations of these firearm restrictions.

Establishes penalties for property managers and owners of real property on or in which massage parlors or similar prostitution establishments are located. Requires workers to be treated as victims and offered resources. Appropriates funds.

Appropriates funds to increase the funding for Medicaid in-home services, conditioned on the Department of Human Services obtaining the maximum federal matching funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 1489 allocates state funds to the Department of Human Services (DHS) to administer core homelessness services. It directly affects individuals experiencing homelessness by providing resources for essential support programs, though the specific services (e.g., shelters, case management) are not detailed in the abstract. The bill’s key mechanism is funding distribution through DHS, requiring the department to manage these services under the state’s homelessness strategy. As of its current status, the bill is pending in the 2026 Regular Session after being referred to relevant committees in 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 822 would require certain employers in the state to provide leave for employees experiencing reproductive loss, such as miscarriage or stillbirth. It directly affects employees who have pregnancy losses and the employers covered by the bill. The key provision mandates that eligible employers offer this leave as a standard employment benefit. The bill is currently pending committee review for the 2026 Regular Session.

Extends the State's energy-efficiency portfolio standards from 2030 to 2045 and updates the standards. Authorizes the public utilities commission to adjust the 2045 and interim standards.

Appropriates funds for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to convene a working group regarding program design, implementation, and long-term viability of a Native Hawaiian Marketing Program to promote and support the success of businesses owned by Hawaiians through marketing and technical assistance. Effective 7/1/3000.

Requires the Executive Office on Early Learning to establish parent-staff early learning collectives to combine professional early-learning services with structured parental involvement. Establishes an Early Learning Cooperative Advisory Council. Appropriates funds.