Rep. Elle Cochran

Expands the scopes of practice for occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech pathologists employed by or contracted with the Department of Education to diagnose students with a medical condition in an educational setting and treat the students. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to establish an international teacher license for certain visa holders and the requirements to obtain the international teacher license. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 610 establishes a dedicated Cold Case Investigation Unit within the state Attorney General's Department and allocates funding for its operations. The bill directly affects cold case investigations by creating a specialized team to re-examine unresolved criminal cases. Key provisions include appropriating state funds to support the unit's staffing, technology, and investigative resources. The unit will become operational starting July 1, 3000, as specified in the bill.

Establishes the position of Ka Papahana Kaiapuni Program Complex Area Superintendent. Requires that at least one at-large member of the Board of Education be a proficient Hawaiian speaking educator, practitioner, or scholar of Hawaiian studies or the Hawaiian language, to be selected from a list of three nominees submitted by the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Clarifies the purpose and objective of the Hawaiian Language Medium Education Program. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Establishes the Due Process in Immigration Proceedings Program within the Judiciary to provide legal representation to individuals in immigration-related proceedings. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Adds, as an allowable use of the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund, economic payments to certain residents who have incurred losses in a disaster for which the Governor has declared a state of emergency.

Establishes, and appropriates funds for, five full-time equivalent (5.0 FTE) positions within the Civil Rights Compliance Branch of the Department of Education. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the Office of Entrepreneurship. Authorizes the use of the Hawaii Film and Creative Industries Development Special Fund to fund a program in partnership with the Office that creates opportunities in film, media, electronic sports, and creative industries for new businesses. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Continues a licensing scheme for licensed certified midwives and licensed certified professional midwives, to be overseen by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Reestablishes the home birth task force to provide recommendations on issues related to home births. Dissolves the task force on 6/30/2026. Requires reports to the Legislature.

Authorizes the Hawaiian Homes Commission to retain independent legal counsel, with any legal fees owed to be paid by the State, and also use the services of the Attorney General as needed. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)