Appropriates funds for one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) grant writer position within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and converts the position from temporary to permanent.
Appropriates funds to the judiciary for services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households.
Changes the allowed absence by a primary caregiver at a community care foster family home to 48 hours in calendar week with no absence longer than 24 consecutive hours.
Maddy summaryHB 2419 lowers the minimum age requirement for substitute caregivers in community care foster family homes from the current standard to 18 years. This change directly affects youth aged 18 who may serve as substitute caregivers in foster family settings. The bill modifies Department of Health rules to allow 18-year-olds to fill these roles, previously requiring a higher age. It represents a specific policy adjustment to caregiver eligibility without altering other foster care standards. The bill is currently in committee referral after introduction.
Maddy summaryHB 2588 establishes an American Sign Language (ASL) Program at the University of Hawaii and appropriates funding for its operation. The program directly affects University of Hawaii students and future ASL interpreters by providing dedicated educational resources. Key provisions include creating the program structure and allocating state funds for its implementation. This bill represents a concrete policy change to support ASL education at the university level.
Requires state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and Agribusiness Development Corporation, that administer agricultural leases, licenses, development programs, or procurement involving agricultural products to award points or preferences to agricultural projects incorporating agricultural workforce housing. Requires a report to the Legislature.
Maddy summaryHB 2228 increases matching funds for candidates participating in the state's partial public financing program. It specifically raises the amount of public money matched for "excess qualifying contributions" beyond the program's base threshold. This change directly affects candidates who receive small donations under the program, potentially providing them with more public funding for their campaigns. The bill is currently in early stages of the legislative process.
Requires the Board of Regents to grant a waiver on all tuition for qualifying native Hawaiian and Hawaiian students enrolled within the University of Hawaii System.
Prohibits insurers from refusing to issue or renew, canceling, restricting, otherwise terminating, or charging higher rates for a commercial general liability insurance policy, homeowners insurance policy, renters insurance policy, or dwelling fire policy based on the breed of any dog that is kept on the insured premises.
Beginning 1/1/2027, requires health insurers, mutual benefit societies, health maintenance organizations, and health plans under the State's Medicaid managed care program to provide coverage for biomarker testing.
