Rep. Mahina Poepoe

Maddy summaryHB 722 would change state unemployment benefit rules to allow workers who participate in labor strikes to qualify for benefits. Currently, striking workers are typically ineligible for unemployment assistance, but this bill would remove that barrier. It directly affects workers involved in labor disputes by expanding their access to financial support during job actions. The key provision amends existing eligibility criteria to include those who leave work due to a strike, rather than losing their jobs through no fault of their own.

Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, requires the Department of Education to include the teaching of financial literacy in the personal transition plan requirement for each student.

Maddy summaryHB 55 changes penalties for certain fireworks violations, upgrading them from misdemeanors to class C felonies. This directly affects individuals or businesses that violate specific fireworks laws, such as selling or possessing prohibited fireworks. The key provision increases the criminal penalties for these offenses, making them serious felony charges rather than lesser offenses. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process after being introduced on January 16, 2025. It does not change fireworks safety rules or accessibility, only the legal consequences for violations.

Maddy summaryHB 623 requires the State Board of Education to create a policy banning student use of phones and other electronic devices during school hours. This policy directly affects all public school students and school staff in the state. The key provision mandates the Board to adopt this rule, which would apply to all K-12 schools during instructional time. The bill does not specify exceptions or enforcement methods, only requiring the Board to establish the policy. (3 sentences)

Permanently increases the state earned income tax credit to fifty per cent of the federal earned income tax credit. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2024.

Prohibits covered entities in the State from entering into contracts with drug manufacturers that limit the covered entities' use of contract pharmacies. Voids contract provisions for certain drugs if the provisions are based on the maximum allowable cost payment model. Authorizes the attorney general to bring a civil action for violations.

Proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the terms of members of the Legislature, as provided by law, for terms beginning after the general election of 2028.

Creates an alternative water source income tax credit for taxpayers who install, place in service, or repair a water catchment system or who purchase water delivery services.

Increases the penalties imposed on individuals convicted for violation of a temporary restraining order and order for protection. Clarifies that the court shall not sentence a defendant to pay a fine for violating a temporary restraining order or order for protection if, after conducting a financial review, the court determines the defendant is or will be unable to pay the fine. Specifies that the court may suspend certain jail sentence for violation of a temporary restraining order or order for protection upon condition that the defendant remain alcohol- and drug-free, conviction-free, and complete court-ordered assessments or intervention.

Establishes a process, beginning on January 1, 2026, for automatically preregistering or registering public, charter, and private school-enrolled students who are at least 16 years old to vote.