Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Director of Health to form a working group to study whether arts-based social prescribing - where doctors recommend participation in creative activities like music, dance, or theater as part of mental health treatment - can be integrated into public, private, and prepaid health insurance plans. The working group will include representatives from health insurers, arts organizations, healthcare providers, and relevant state agencies to examine legal, regulatory, and financial feasibility across Hawaii's multi-payer system. The group will analyze potential impacts on patient outcomes and costs, explore pilot program opportunities, and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.
Rep. Sue Lee Loy
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges Hawaii's Insurance Commissioner to conduct a study on expanding mail-order pharmacy services within the state. The resolution directs the study to examine how mail-order pharmacies could improve medication adherence, reduce costs, enhance access for rural residents and individuals with mobility challenges, and strengthen healthcare resilience during emergencies. The Insurance Commissioner is requested to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026, with no new laws being enacted by this measure itself.
Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Hawaii Insurance Commissioner to study the potential benefits of expanding mail-order pharmacy services in the state. The study would examine how mail-order pharmacies could improve medication adherence, reduce costs, and increase access for rural residents, seniors, and people with mobility challenges. The resolution directs the commissioner to analyze safety, reliability, and emergency preparedness aspects of mail-order pharmacy systems and submit findings to the Legislature by March 2027. This is a non-binding resolution that does not change current laws but requests a formal review of the topic.
Establishes the Waiakea Peninsula Community Development District and the Waiakea Peninsula Community Development District Special Fund. Specifies the powers and duties of the Hawaii Community Development Authority as it relates to the new development district. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Maddy summaryHB 2164 defines "compounded prescription drugs" specifically for workers' compensation claims. This bill directly affects injured workers seeking medical coverage and insurers processing those claims. It establishes a clear legal definition to determine which custom-mixed medications qualify for coverage under workers' compensation law. This clarification aims to reduce disputes over medication eligibility in injury claims. The bill does not change existing coverage rules but provides a precise standard for applying them.
Establishes a Hilo-Kona transportation pilot program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study, plan, evaluate, implement, and trial transportation routes and services connecting Hilo and Kona. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summaryHB 1522 extends the time period to file a discrimination complaint with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission from the current limit to one year. This change directly affects individuals who experience discrimination in Hawaii, giving them more time to seek redress through the Commission. The bill’s key provision modifies the statute of limitations for filing such complaints, allowing a full year from the alleged discriminatory act to submit a formal complaint. The bill is currently pending before the House Judiciary Committee for further review.
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)
By 1/1/2029, requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to establish a family and medical leave insurance program and begin collecting payroll contributions to finance payment of benefits. By 1/1/2030, requires the Department to begin receiving claims and paying benefits under the program. Specifies eligibility requirements and employee protections under the program. Excludes paid family and medical leave benefits from income tax. 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.