Rep. Chris Todd

Maddy summaryHB 722 would change state unemployment benefit rules to allow workers who participate in labor strikes to qualify for benefits. Currently, striking workers are typically ineligible for unemployment assistance, but this bill would remove that barrier. It directly affects workers involved in labor disputes by expanding their access to financial support during job actions. The key provision amends existing eligibility criteria to include those who leave work due to a strike, rather than losing their jobs through no fault of their own.

Raises the minimum age requirement to enter into marriage from sixteen to eighteen years of age. Removes the parental consent and written approval by the family court requirements for a minor to marry. Removes spousal cohabitation after the parties attain legal age as an exception for an annulment based on nonage. Makes conforming amendments.

Requires county permitting agencies to establish and fill positions exclusively to process permit applications submitted for state projects. Appropriates funds.

Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, requires the Department of Education to include the teaching of financial literacy in the personal transition plan requirement for each student.

Establishes the Onipaʻa Teacher Bonus Program to address teacher retention and award teachers for outstanding and extended service in the department of education. Ensures that general education teachers assigned to special education inclusion classes receive the same additional benefits as special education teachers.

Permanently increases the state earned income tax credit to fifty per cent of the federal earned income tax credit. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2024.

Prohibits covered entities in the State from entering into contracts with drug manufacturers that limit the covered entities' use of contract pharmacies. Voids contract provisions for certain drugs if the provisions are based on the maximum allowable cost payment model. Authorizes the attorney general to bring a civil action for violations.

Maddy summaryHB 665 creates a working group within the Office of Enterprise Technology Services to develop rules and policies for how state agencies share data. The group will establish guidelines for data governance, including security and privacy standards, to improve coordination across state departments. The bill allocates funds to support the group’s operations and meetings. This bill is currently in early stages (introduced January 2025, referred to committees) and does not directly affect residents or businesses, but will shape future data-sharing practices for state agencies.

Appropriates funds for the Department of Health to develop and implement a public health and informational campaign; administer grants to prevent substance misuse among youth; and administer grants to treat substance use disorder among youth.

Establishes a process, beginning on January 1, 2026, for automatically preregistering or registering public, charter, and private school-enrolled students who are at least 16 years old to vote.