Rep. Terez Amato

Maddy summaryHCR 96 is a non-binding resolution encouraging the University of Hawaii (UH) to evaluate and expand mental health services for students. It specifically urges UH to hire more mental health professionals, extend counseling hours, improve crisis response, and implement proactive outreach programs to meet growing student demand. The resolution requires UH to provide the legislature with periodic updates on these efforts to ensure accountability. It directly affects UH students by addressing gaps in current mental health support, though it does not allocate funding or mandate changes. The resolution was introduced by Representative Mar and passed by the 2025 Hawaii Legislature.

Establishes braille literacy as a policy of the State. Requires literacy assessments for eligible low vision and blind students to include braille instruction and the use of braille. Authorizes the Department of Education to adopt administrative rules. Establishes the Braille Literacy Resource Center. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Requires the University of Hawaii System to collect, analyze, and publicly report certain graduate outcome data. Requires and appropriates funds for the development and maintenance of a graduate outcomes dashboard. Appropriates funds for positions within the University of Hawaii's Office of the Vice President of Academic Strategy. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)

Appropriates moneys to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the establishment of full-time equivalent permanent Makai Watch Coordinator positions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes within the Department of Agriculture a working group to review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Appropriates funds to be used by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for mercantile projects, as well as lump sum repair and maintenance, in fiscal year 2025-2026. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

For policies, contracts, plans, and agreements issued or renewed after 12/31/2025, requires insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for standard fertility preservation services for persons undergoing medically necessary treatment that may cause iatrogenic infertility. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Requires retail sellers or transferers of firearms to provide purchasers with notice regarding the law on firearms storage. Expands the requirements for the secure storage of firearms. Clarifies the offense of criminally negligent storage of a firearm. (HD1)

Establishes a family caregiver tax credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys to the Executive Office on Aging. The tax credit applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD2)

Increases the criminal penalties for the offenses of cruelty to animals in the first and second degree that involve pet animals. Increases the criminal penalty for a second or subsequent offense of causing injury or death to a service animal or law enforcement animal. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)