Rep. Chris Todd

Establishes the state media industry development liaison to plan, develop, and execute a statewide media industry development strategy for purposes of establishing a collaborative media industry development program. Appropriates funds for the state media industry development liaison and an administrative assistant position. (CD1)

Requires the exterior of the envelope containing the ballot package for elections by mail to include instructions on how to obtain language translation services in Hawaiian and certain other non-English languages. Applies to all elections beginning with the 2024 primary election. (SD1)

Makes the state earned income tax credit refundable and permanent. Provides for carryforward of nonrefundable credits previously claimed. Incrementally increases the minimum wage and tip credit beginning on 10/1/2022. (CD1)

Removes the authority of the county liquor commissions to enforce the liquor tax law and requires violations of the liquor tax law to be referred to the director of taxation for investigation. Repeals the general right of inspection without a warrant for potential violations of the liquor tax law. Requires applications for liquor licenses to be notarized. Repeals the discretionary power of the liquor commission to deny a license to any person the liquor commission investigator finds is not fit and proper to hold a license. Repeals the requirement that investigative reports to the liquor commission include any and all matters that are relevant to the application or license in the judgment of the investigator. Effective 1/1/2023. (CD1)

In counties with a population of five hundred thousand or more, prohibits the sale of a bicycle that has been reported as stolen and is listed on a publicly available online stolen bicycle database. Requires the county police department or other designated agency to establish the publicly available online stolen bicycle database. Updates the recordkeeping and retention requirements for businesses that buy previously owned articles. (CD1)

Prohibits health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations from applying categorical cosmetic or blanket exclusions to gender affirming treatments or procedures when determined to be medically necessary pursuant to applicable law and specifies a process for appealing a claim denied on the basis of medical necessity. Requires those entities to provide applicants and insured persons with clear information about the coverage of gender transition services, including the process for appealing a claim denied on the basis of medical necessity. (CD1)

Amends the definition of "private schools" under the compulsory attendance law to require unlicensed but accredited private schools to annually submit health and safety documentation to the Hawaii Council of Private Schools or the Hawaii Catholic Schools office. (SD2)

Clarifies that sentences for domestic violence intervention for abuse-related offenses shall be imposed, with or without probation. (SD1)

Requires the tuition residency rules for the University of Hawaii to grant the resident tuition fee for enrollment at any University of Hawaii campus, including any community college, to individuals who have obtained a Hawaii high school diploma or equivalent credential and are working toward an undergraduate degree, under certain conditions. (SD2)