Rep. Chris Todd

Maddy summaryHB 1404 appropriates funds to create pilot programs that subsidize residential sewer connections and cesspool closures for homeowners. It directly affects property owners in areas relying on cesspools by providing financial assistance to switch to sewer systems. The bill establishes specific subsidy mechanisms through pilot programs, aiming to support infrastructure upgrades. The program is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 3000, as noted in the official abstract.

Requires the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study the feasibility of implementing a "buy clean" decarbonization policy and program in Hawaii. Requires administrative and substantive support from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Expands the scopes of practice for occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech pathologists employed by or contracted with the Department of Education to diagnose students with a medical condition in an educational setting and treat the students. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 665 establishes a data sharing and governance working group within the state's Office of Enterprise Technology Services to develop policies and best practices for sharing government data across agencies. The bill appropriates funds to support this group's work, which will help state agencies improve how they handle and share data. This bill directly affects state agencies that manage public data, as it creates a formal process for coordinating data sharing efforts. The key mechanism is the creation of this dedicated working group with dedicated funding, rather than changing existing data laws.

Clarifies and strengthens the State's protections against sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, and retaliation that occur in public schools, public charter schools, or at the University of Hawaii, including discrimination based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and pregnancy-related conditions. Establishes procedures for investigations and decision-making. Requires mandatory reporting by certain employees.

Amends the Hawaii State Constitution to prohibit the State from denying or interfering with an individual's reproductive freedom, including the right to choose to obtain an abortion and to obtain or use contraceptives.

Extends the State's energy-efficiency portfolio standards from 2030 to 2045 and updates the standards. Authorizes the public utilities commission to adjust the 2045 and interim standards.

Amends the Hawaii renewable hydrogen program and hydrogen investment capital special fund to include a broader focus on long duration clean energy storage. Transfers responsibility for the program to the Hawaii State Energy Office. Appropriates funds.

Requires the Executive Office on Early Learning to establish parent-staff early learning collectives to combine professional early-learning services with structured parental involvement. Establishes an Early Learning Cooperative Advisory Council. Appropriates funds.

Maddy summaryHB 507 allocates state funds to create a pilot program offering grants to homeowners for upgrading outdated cesspool systems. The program targets properties in specific areas to help meet environmental compliance standards, directly affecting homeowners with cesspools who may face replacement requirements. This is a temporary test project, not a permanent law, and will be evaluated after implementation to inform future policy.