Rep. Jenna Takenouchi

Maddy summaryHB 713 allocates funds for Hawaii's Department of Human Services to study Medicaid home health service payment rates. This bill directly affects home health providers who receive Medicaid reimbursement in Hawaii by authorizing a rate study to determine appropriate payment levels. The key mechanism is a formal study process to assess current rates against costs and service needs. The bill does not change existing rates but sets the stage for potential future adjustments based on the study's findings. (3 sentences)

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 228 prohibits the use of devices that flip license plates (like rotating plates) and blocks that obstruct license plates (such as stickers or dirt). It directly affects drivers who might use these devices or cover their plates. The bill establishes minimum fines of $50 and maximum fines of $250 for violations. This law aims to improve license plate visibility for traffic safety and law enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 442 allocates state funds specifically for the University of Hawaii, West Oahu to support its pre-nursing pathway program. This bill directly affects students at UH West Oahu who are enrolled in or seeking entry into nursing education. The key provision is the appropriation of dedicated funding to develop and operate this pre-nursing curriculum. The bill focuses on expanding access to nursing education pathways at this campus, without changing broader university policies or regulations.

Allows a patient who has been seen in person by a health care provider who is in the same medical group as the prescribing provider authorized pursuant to section 329-33, HRS, to be prescribed an opiate prescription for a three-day supply or less via telehealth. (SD1)

Appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to collaborate with contracted community-based organizations to address the need for social services in the State. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Establishes the Mixed-Income Subaccount within the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to prioritize development of workforce rental and for-sale housing projects for qualified residents. Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to adopt administrative rules. Appropriates moneys. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Requires the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a permanent Return-to-Home Program to return homeless individuals in the State to families and relatives in their home states. Requires the Office to report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes braille literacy as a policy of the State. Requires literacy assessments for eligible low vision and blind students to include braille instruction and the use of braille. Authorizes the Department of Education to adopt administrative rules. Establishes the Braille Literacy Resource Center. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)