Rep. Elle Cochran

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that urges Hawaii's Department of Education and Board of Education to create a plan for transitioning school buses to electric vehicles. It directs these agencies to collaborate with districts that have already made the switch, such as Oakland, to study potential benefits like reduced emissions, lower maintenance costs, and improved student safety. The resolution requires a report with findings and recommendations to be submitted to the Legislature by late 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Governor of Hawaii to work with federal authorities to resolve conflicts between state and federal cannabis laws. It specifically asks for an exception to federal controlled substance rules for registered medical cannabis patients and a waiver for state-licensed dispensaries to operate without federal interference. The resolution cites problems like employment risks and insurance issues that patients face due to this legal conflict. It also requests quarterly progress reports from the Governor and sends copies to state and federal officials.

Requires the Department of Transportation to administer the Safe Routes to School Program. Amends the purposes for which funds of the Safe Routes to School Special Fund may be used for. Establishes deadlines for when funds from Safe Routes to School Special Fund that are allocated to the counties should be obligated or expended by. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryHB 2448 criminalizes female genital mutilation (FGM) performed on minors within the state, establishing it as a punishable offense. The bill directly affects minors who are victims of FGM and provides them with civil remedies, including legal options to seek compensation. Key provisions include defining FGM on minors as a criminal act and creating a pathway for victims to pursue civil claims against perpetrators. This legislation focuses on preventing harm to minors and offering legal recourse, without specifying enforcement details or penalties beyond the criminal and civil frameworks.

Requires the Department of Education to provide additional benefits to: (1) teachers with special assignments where their duties and responsibilities are greater than their ordinary duties and responsibilities; (2) teachers in Hawaiian language medium education whose responsibilities are greater or unique and require additional language skills; and (3) teachers at special needs schools. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Beginning 7/1/2027, requires the Judiciary to develop, implement, and administer an automated court appearance reminder system that generates text message or electronic mail notifications for upcoming court appearances in certain types of cases. Requires persons making an arrest or issuing a citation to obtain, to the extent practicable, the offender's mobile telephone number and electronic mail address. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Specifies that no state or county building code shall prohibit the use of hempcrete as a non-structural building material. Authorizes building officials to approve hempcrete construction that meets applicable safety and performance standards. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Requires hospitals and hospital systems to submit annual certified reports regarding costs associated with Medicare and uninsured patients to the Department of Health, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, and State Health Planning and Development Agency. Requires the Department of Health, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, and State Health Planning and Development Agency to review the reports, establish standards and procedures, and adopt rules. Requires the Department of Health to consider the reports when determining the department's budget request and designate financial assistance requests in an equitable way. Requires the Office of the Auditor to conduct periodic audits of the financial assistance distributed to hospitals and hospital systems. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Appropriates funds for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to increase access to bilingual resources and services for residents with limited English proficiency. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience and the Department of Health to continue their implementation of the Hawaii Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education Program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)