Establishes strict liability for crimes against elders with respect to the attendant circumstance that the victim was seventy years of age or older. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD2)
Amends the definition of "adequate reserve fund" by increasing the multiplier used to calculate its amount from the existing factor of 1, to unspecified amounts for calendar year 2026 and for calendar year 2027 and thereafter. Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to conduct an actuarial study and report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
Establishes a fishpond inventory working group within the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program to create an inventory and map of all fishponds on state land and conduct a literature review. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Maddy summaryHB 706 requires all skateboard riders under 16 years old to wear a helmet while operating a skateboard. This law directly affects minors who skateboard for recreation or transportation, mandating helmet use to promote safety. The bill takes effect on January 1, 3000, as specified in the official abstract. It does not include additional enforcement mechanisms or exceptions beyond the helmet requirement for the specified age group.
Maddy summaryHB 177 makes civil identification cards (like state-issued IDs) free to issue or renew for residents, removing fees that previously applied. It directs state funds to cover these costs, ensuring the program is fully funded without requiring payments from cardholders. This directly affects all Hawaii residents who need or renew a civil ID card, including those who may face financial barriers to obtaining one. The bill becomes effective on June 30, 3000, as stated in the official abstract.
Requires certain applicants for driver's license renewal to complete an educational course that includes a road safety video developed by the Department of Transportation and a written examination. Authorizes the Department to develop and implement a system to randomly require applicants for renewal of a driver's license to complete a written examination. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)
Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish geographically based capital improvement project districts for the localized management of capital improvement projects. Transfers all capital improvement project functions, funds, and vacant Facilities Development Branch positions from the Department of Education to the School Facilities Authority. Clarifies that general funds shall not be used for operations or management of the Authority. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD2)
Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Disability and Communication Access Board in Hawaii to study how deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind individuals communicate in healthcare settings. The study will examine the availability of interpreters, patient preferences for communication methods, special needs of hospitalized patients, and legal requirements for healthcare providers. Based on the findings, the Board will update existing guidance to better address these communication needs and submit a report to the Legislature by early 2027.
Maddy summaryHCR 6 is a Hawaii legislative resolution affirming that hospitals must provide life-saving emergency care - including abortion services when medically necessary - to stabilize pregnant patients under the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA). It addresses confusion caused by recent shifts in federal guidance about EMTALA's requirements, particularly following the 2025 rescission of federal affirmations supporting emergency abortion care. The resolution urges all Hawaii hospitals, including religiously affiliated ones, to uphold EMTALA's standards without delay or denial of care. It does not create new law but reinforces Hawaii's commitment to ensuring pregnant patients receive timely emergency treatment as required by federal statute.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution asks Hawaii's Disability and Communication Access Board to study how deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind individuals communicate in healthcare settings and to develop updated guidelines for providers. The study will examine interpreter availability, patient preferences, special needs in hospitals and nursing facilities, and legal obligations for effective communication. Based on the findings, the Board will revise current guidance and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. The resolution directs copies to the Director of Health and Board members to ensure healthcare facilities better serve patients with hearing and vision disabilities.
