Proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the terms of members of the legislature to a maximum of twelve years in the house of representatives or senate, or both, for terms beginning on or after the general election of 2026.
Categorizes electric bicycles into three classes based on speed and operation. Requires electric bicycle manufacturers and distributors to apply a label to each electric bicycle. Authorizes county police to confiscate bicycles for certain offenses. Increases penalty fee paid upon redemption. Imposes a requirement that counties inform individuals of the applicable traffic code, safety information, and penalties for violations at the time of registering a bicycle.
Requires the department of education to prohibit cell phone use during the instructional day, prohibit student access to social media through the school's internet, and implement a social media education campaign. Creates exemptions for students requiring accommodations, emergency situations, and teacher authorizations.
Provides that a person who commits theft of property or services the value of which does not exceed $750, commits theft in the second degree if the person was convicted two or more times for any theft offenses in the five years prior to the current offense.
Maddy summaryHB 282 allows tipped employees to deduct the full amount of tips they receive from their taxable income when filing state income taxes. This directly affects workers in service industries like restaurants, bars, and hotels who rely on tips as part of their earnings. The bill’s key provision reduces the taxable income of these employees, lowering their overall tax liability. It does not change how tips are reported or paid, only how they are treated for tax purposes. The bill is currently in committee referral after its initial introduction.
Maddy summaryHB 293 requires that a specific portion of funds generated from Hawaii's Public Land Trust (PLT) be transferred directly to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). It mandates the transfer of "all moneys in the pro rata portion" of PLT revenues, meaning a proportional share of these funds. This bill directly affects OHA, as it would make the organization the sole recipient of this designated revenue stream. The key mechanism is a mandatory transfer of these funds from the PLT to OHA, without requiring additional legislative action for each payment.
Maddy summaryHB 207 requires schools to maintain separate athletic teams for male and female students to promote gender equality in sports. The bill directly affects K-12 school athletic programs by mandating sex-based team designations for all competitive sports. Its key provision is a requirement for schools to establish and operate distinct teams based on biological sex, rather than allowing inclusive or mixed-gender options. The bill's stated purpose, as outlined in its abstract, is to ensure gender equality in student athletics through this structural requirement.
Creates an offshore wind energy working group to generate a roadmap to define standards to consider in the developmental process for offshore wind energy. Requires the working group to submit a report to the legislature prior to the 2027 regular session.
Maddy summaryHB 291 clarifies circumstances where using deadly force in self-defense is not justified and removes the requirement for individuals to retreat or surrender property before using deadly force. The bill directly affects people who use force in self-defense scenarios, such as in home invasions or threats to personal safety. Its key provision eliminates the obligation to attempt retreat or give up possessions before resorting to deadly force. This changes the legal standard by making it easier for individuals to claim self-defense without first trying to avoid confrontation. The bill is currently pending introduction in the legislature.
Establishes the Hawaii Food Security Special Fund to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit levels to those provided in federal fiscal year 2023. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
