Rep. Trish La Chica

Establishes the nonconsensual disclosure of intimate or private images as a criminal offense. Amends the criteria for an extended term of imprisonment to include an offender whose act of attempting to commit or committing the nonconsensual disclosure of intimate images or private images against a minor or vulnerable adult was the proximate cause of the victim's death. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryHB 1986 requires the state Department of Transportation to create rules by January 1, 2028, establishing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels used in vehicles. The bill mandates regular reporting to the legislature and public informational sessions about the standard's implementation. It directly affects alternative fuel providers and the Department of Transportation, setting new requirements for fuel composition and emissions. The bill is currently pending committee review (deferred until February 2026) and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1991 changes how liquor taxes are calculated by replacing the current system of tax categories (based on drink type, like beer or wine) with tax rates based solely on alcohol-by-volume (ABV) content. This directly affects liquor businesses that sell alcoholic beverages, as they will pay taxes according to the ABV percentage of their products instead of their category. The bill also automatically adjusts tax rates annually to account for inflation, ensuring the rates keep pace with economic changes. These changes simplify the tax structure and update it to reflect modern beverage standards.

Maddy summaryHawaii's House Resolution 4 requests the U.S. Congress to pass the Equality Act, which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The proposed federal law would extend these protections to employment, housing, public accommodations, education, federally funded programs, credit, and jury service. Hawaii already provides these protections through state law (including Act 40 of 2022), but federal law currently lacks such coverage in many areas. This resolution serves as a formal request to Congress to close the gap in nationwide non-discrimination protections.

Maddy summaryHCR 5 is a Hawaii legislative resolution requesting the U.S. Congress to pass federal legislation that would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, federally funded programs, credit, and jury service. The resolution does not create new state law but urges federal action to extend existing protections nationwide, referencing the Equality Act (H.R. 15) currently sponsored by Congress members including Hawaii’s Ed Case and Jill Tokuda. It notes that while Hawaii already provides some protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in housing, employment, and jury service, federal law lacks comprehensive coverage in these areas. The resolution formally asks Congress to take this step and requests that the resolution be printed in the Congressional Record.

Expands free school meal coverage, beginning with the 2029-2030 school year, to all public school students, including public charter school students, regardless of whether the student participates in a federal school meals program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Education to establish a Numeracy Coaching Program to provide numeracy coaches in certain Department of Education elementary schools, middle schools, and intermediate schools to support teachers, improve instruction, and ensure that students develop a strong foundation in mathematics. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 7 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii counties to implement a property tax freeze on primary residences for homeowners aged 75 and older. It directly affects seniors who own their primary homes, aiming to improve financial stability amid Hawaii's high cost of living (rated 179 in 2024) and stagnant fixed incomes. The resolution specifies the tax freeze would end if the property is sold, transferred, or the homeowner no longer owns it. This is a recommendation to local governments, not a law requiring state action.

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.

Establishes a Basic Needs Pilot Program at a single campus of the University of Hawaii system. Authorizes the establishment of a Housing Stability Pilot Project at that campus. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. Sunsets 6/30/2028. (HD1)