Rep. Nadine Nakamura

Maddy summaryHB 1063 makes intentionally causing bodily injury to a National Guard member while they are performing their duties a class C felony. This bill directly affects individuals who harm National Guard members during official service. The key provision raises the legal penalty for this specific offense from a lesser crime to a class C felony. The bill was introduced in January 2025 and has progressed through its first reading.

Requires any order to cease and desist issued by the Director of Health that is administratively appealed to remain in effect during the appeals process.

Clarifies that the definition of "manufactured hemp products" in section 328G-1, HRS, includes hemp products specified in rules adopted by the Department of Health pursuant to section 328G-4, HRS.

Makes emergency appropriations and commensurate reductions to pay for anticipated operating shortfalls due to the limited ability to transfer funds between programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1133 updates Hawaii's Uniform Controlled Substance Act (Chapter 329, HRS) to align with recent amendments to the Federal Controlled Substances Act, as required under Section 329-11, HRS. The bill directly affects state law enforcement and entities regulated under Hawaii's drug scheduling framework by ensuring state classifications match federal standards. Key provisions involve amending specific sections of Chapter 329 to reflect federal changes in controlled substance categories, without introducing new restrictions or penalties. This technical update ensures consistency between state and federal drug laws.

Provides needed clarifications on the applicability and scope of section 225P-5, HRS. Clarifies current emissions reduction goals and defines critical terms used in climate mitigation. Establishes a total or gross emissions target as well as sector-specific targets to reinforce action in the relevant emitting sectors further strengthening the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

Clarifies that the definition of "profits from prostitution" includes any money or property accepted or received from the proceeds of prostitution activity even if it is accepted or received as the reimbursement or repayment of a debt. Restructures provisions that define terms or establish exemptions for part I of chapter 712, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to enhance readability. Makes technical amendments to update statutory references to part I of chapter 712, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Requires utilization review entities in the State to submit to the State Health Planning and Development Agency data relating to prior authorization of health care services.

Repeals the one-to-one syringe limit for the needle exchange program. Authorizes the Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Program to provide needs-based distribution. Authorizes non-injection drug user participation in the Program. Modifies liability for exchange program participants, staff, and law enforcement officers.

For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, (1) repeals the maximum tax rate that may be considered in determining the amount of income tax that must be withheld and the requirement that a standard deduction allowance be treated as if it was denominated as a withholding exemption, and (2) for the purpose of income tax withholding, permits the Director of Taxation to prescribe a standard deduction allowance in an amount more or less than one whole exemption.