Prohibits sentencing persons who were under the age of twenty-one at the time of the offense to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. (CD1)
Amends covered offender registration laws by expanding the definition of "sexual offense" to include additional sexual offenses from the Penal Code. Provides that the exception to covered offender registry public access requirements for a first-time misdemeanor offense does not apply when the covered offense was committed against a minor. Clarifies that a person who is required to report their location of residence in person every year under the covered offender registration requirements shall report during the thirty-day period following the offender's birthday, rather than from the offender's actual date of birth. Specifies how certain covered offenses are to be tiered for purposes of seeking termination of registration requirements. (CD1)
Requires utilization review entities to submit data relating to the prior authorization of health care services to the State Health Planning and Development Agency. Establishes the Health Care Appropriateness and Necessity Working Group within the State Health Planning and Development Agency and requires the working group to submit annual reports to the Legislature. (CD1)
Creates a framework for the licensure of rural emergency hospitals at the state level by the Department of Health. Clarify Medicaid reimbursement policies for hospitals transitioning from a critical access hospital designation to a rural emergency hospital designation. (CD1)
Establishes a two-year Librarian Pilot Program to serve one school complex on Oahu and one school complex on an island other than Oahu. Appropriates funds. (CD1)
Maddy summaryHB 133 allocates state funds to the Department of Education to establish surfing as an official interscholastic sport in public high schools. This bill directly affects public high schools by providing resources to develop surfing programs, including equipment, coaching, and competition structures. The key provision is the funding appropriation specifically for creating and supporting school-level surfing teams and events. It aims to expand athletic opportunities for students without requiring new legislation or altering existing sports regulations. The bill is currently under committee review with a recommendation to pass.
Maddy summaryHB 862 allows school districts to use motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for student transportation services, provided they meet specific safety and operational requirements. This bill directly affects public school districts that rely on transportation services for students. The key provision expands the types of vehicles eligible for school bus use beyond standard school buses, while requiring compliance with established safety standards. The bill passed committee with amendments in February 2025 but has not yet become law.
Establishes the Simplifying Permitting for Enhanced Economic Development (SPEED) Task Force to identify actions taken, challenges encountered, and legislative measures necessary to facilitate, expedite, and coordinate state and intergovernmental development permit processes. Appropriates funds. (CD1)
Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine for faculty positions in the fields of cardiovascular biology, tropical medicine, and quantitative health biostatistics, and an environmental health and safety officer staff position. (CD1)
Appropriates funds to support the efforts of the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources in the removal of the majano anemone from Kaneohe Bay. (CD1)
