Rep. Shirley Templo

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6) urges Hawaii counties to freeze property taxes on the primary residences of homeowners aged 75 and older. It directly affects senior homeowners in Hawaii, aiming to improve their financial stability amid the state’s high cost of living. The resolution recommends counties implement this tax freeze, which would end if the homeowner sells the property, transfers ownership, or no longer resides there. It is non-binding, meaning counties are encouraged but not required to adopt this policy.

Appropriates moneys to establish a bachelor's degree program in American Sign Language interpretation at the University of Hawaii Manoa campus with a multi-year plan to include a master's degree program for interpreter training. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Authorizes the Department of Education to establish a climate literacy certificate program to provide students with an advanced understanding of climate change through academic coursework and hands-on learning. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Appropriates funds to: (1) the counties for more voter service centers for in-person voting; (2) the Office of Elections to print and mail the digital voter information guide to all registered voters; and (3) the Office of Elections to support a public outreach and engagement campaign to encourage greater voter participation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 1452 expands who can legally submit an affidavit to create a new birth certificate for certain individuals. It allows more types of health care providers (beyond just physicians) to certify birth details for registrants needing updated certificates. This change directly affects people who require corrected or new birth records, such as those with incomplete documentation. The bill modifies the process by broadening the list of authorized medical professionals who can provide the required legal statement.

Prohibits health care facilities, health care providers, and emergency medical services from furnishing medical debt to a consumer credit reporting agency. Prohibits consumer credit reporting agencies from reporting or maintaining medical debt information in the file on a consumer. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Increases the number of enterprise zones that may be nominated by each county. Amends the definition of "eligible business activity" to include recycling facilities and film production or operation of a Film Studio. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Education to establish a program for the support of students experiencing homelessness. Requires the Department to designate a state coordinator position and state navigator positions to implement the program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Repeals the preemption on county ordinances that regulate the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Establishes a two-year-pilot program within the Department of Human Services to provide temporary financial stabilization assistance to families with students identified as experiencing homelessness. Funds the program through the Department of Human Services using allowable Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds. Requires Department of Education Complex Area Community Homeless Concerns Liaison to make approved purchases. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)