Rep. Andrew Garrett

Maddy summaryHB 231 increases penalties for drivers who fail to maintain required motor vehicle insurance. It directly affects drivers who operate vehicles without valid insurance coverage. The bill raises the fines for these violations, with changes taking effect on July 1, 3000. This is a straightforward policy adjustment to strengthen enforcement of insurance requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 694 establishes a refundable child tax credit for families with children, directly affecting households with qualifying dependents who file state income tax returns. The credit allows eligible families to receive money back from the state even if they owe no income tax, with the amount determined by the bill's specific formula (not detailed in the abstract). It applies to tax returns filed for taxable years starting after December 31, 2025, meaning the credit would first be available for 2026 tax filings. The bill is currently in committee referral and has not yet been voted on.

Clarifies the definition of "covered employer" under the Hawaii Retirement Savings Act. Requires covered employers to automatically enroll covered employees into the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program unless the employee chooses to opt out. Repeals the limit on the total fees and expenses that can be spent for the Program each year. Appropriates funds to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for the development and operation of the Program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 531 would authorize Hawaii to issue special license plates featuring recognition of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. These plates would allow vehicle owners to display a dedicated plate design supporting the cancer center, with the program becoming effective July 1, 2030. The bill creates a new plate option without altering existing vehicle registration rules or imposing costs on the state. It directly affects vehicle owners who choose to purchase these plates as a form of public recognition for the cancer center.

Appropriates funds for eight full-time agricultural technician, and four full-time coordinator positions at University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Maddy summaryHB 365 prohibits the farming of octopus in aquaculture operations within the state. The bill directly affects businesses or entities currently engaged in or planning to raise octopus commercially. Its key provision bans these specific octopus farming activities, with an effective date listed as July 1, 3000 (a likely typographical error, as this date is far in the future). The bill is currently pending in committee after receiving a favorable recommendation for passage with amendments.

Maddy summaryHB 183 would expand the state's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by allowing qualifying low-income working parents to claim an additional credit if they have a dependent child under 18. This directly affects families with children in that age group who currently qualify for the base EITC but may not receive the full benefit. The key provision adds a specific credit amount tied to having a dependent under 18, increasing the total refundable credit available. The bill is currently pending in committee review and has not yet been enacted into law.

Requires the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to establish an international teacher license for certain visa holders and the requirements to obtain the international teacher license. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Adopts the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to allow a person authorized to practice psychology in a compact state in which the person is not licensed.

Prohibits the smoking of cannabis and the smoking of cannabis for medical use, including via an electronic smoking device, in any area accessible by the public.