After 1/1/2026, prohibits businesses where food or beverages are packaged and sold on the business' premises for individual consumption from using, selling, or distributing certain disposable or single-use food ware and beverage service items, including items containing PFAS.
Maddy summaryHB 87 requires all public schools in the state to provide free breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill allocates state funds to cover the cost of these meals, ensuring schools can implement the program without additional local funding burdens. This policy directly affects all public school students and their school districts, which must adopt the universal meal program using the designated state appropriations. The legislation creates a concrete, statewide change in school nutrition access without specifying eligibility criteria.
For the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, requires the Department of Human Services to: (1) prorate or exclude certain income from household members who are ineligible for the Program; (2) establish a standardized medical expense deduction option for elderly or disabled household members; (3) establish a pre-release Program application form for individuals who are incarcerated and scheduled for release; and (4) report to the Legislature. Specifies that, for purposes of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the federal restriction of providing Program benefits to certain individuals does not apply in Hawaii.
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.
Raises the minimum age requirement to enter into marriage from sixteen to eighteen years of age. Removes the parental consent and written approval by the family court requirements for a minor to marry. Removes spousal cohabitation after the parties attain legal age as an exception for an annulment based on nonage. Makes conforming amendments.
Requires county permitting agencies to establish and fill positions exclusively to process permit applications submitted for state projects. Appropriates funds.
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.
Maddy summaryHB 665 creates a working group within the Office of Enterprise Technology Services to develop rules and policies for how state agencies share data. The group will establish guidelines for data governance, including security and privacy standards, to improve coordination across state departments. The bill allocates funds to support the group’s operations and meetings. This bill is currently in early stages (introduced January 2025, referred to committees) and does not directly affect residents or businesses, but will shape future data-sharing practices for state agencies.
