Rep. Lauren Matsumoto

Primary HB 281

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO GENERAL EXCISE TAX.

Exempts food and groceries from the general excise tax. Expands a 2024 session law exempting certain medical and dental services to include all medical and dental services.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts essential items (food, groceries, medical/dental services) from excise tax, providing direct tax relief for lower-income households and aligning with fiscal responsibility indicators.95% confidence HealthcareSupports HealthcareExempts all medical/dental services from excise tax, reducing patient costs and improving access to healthcare services.95% confidence

In committee Dec 8, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 1225

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.

Amends the definition of "dangerous to self". Defines the terms "gravely disabled" and "psychiatric deterioration". Broadens the term of "imminently dangerous to self and others". Increases the maximum period of emergency hospitalization.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands mental health emergency hospitalization criteria and duration, increasing access to care during crises per support indicators for mental health services.90% confidence

In committee Dec 8, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 296

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE ANALYST.

Requires the office of legislative analyst to produce fiscal notes on all fiscal bills. Prohibits a committee from making a decision on a fiscal bill without a fiscal note. Mandates that fiscal notes be made available to the public. Appropriates funds.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRequires fiscal notes for all fiscal bills, enhancing transparency and accountability in budget decisions, promoting fiscal responsibility.90% confidence

In committee Dec 8, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 289

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

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.

EducationOpposes EducationBill restricts student cell phone/social media use during instruction, a clear restriction on educational environment per indicators.85% confidence TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly restricts student internet access (social media) and cell phone use during school, directly limiting technology access as defined in the topic description.90% confidence

In committee Dec 8, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 1227

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO FAMILY LEAVE.

Establishes a paid family leave program for state and county employees. Authorizes a qualifying employee to take up to twelve weeks of paid leave for the birth or placement of a child or to care for a family member who has a serious health condition.

Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes paid family leave for public employees, expanding worker benefits and supporting care responsibilities under Labor & Employment policies.95% confidence

In committee Dec 8, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Co-sponsor HB 263

In committee · Hawaii House · Co-sponsor

RELATING TO VEHICLE WEIGHT TAXES.

Maddy summaryHB 263 would exempt full-time college students from vehicle weight taxes. The bill adds a specific exemption to the tax code, eliminating this cost for students enrolled full-time at accredited colleges. This change directly affects eligible students who own vehicles subject to the tax. The exemption would apply to all qualifying vehicles under existing tax regulations.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts full-time students from vehicle weight tax, providing tax relief for lower-income group per support indicators.95% confidence

In committee Dec 8, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HB 637

Passed · Hawaii House · Co-sponsor

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Department of Education to implement dyslexia-sensitive universal screenings and evidence-based interventions, offer professional development on structured literacy and evidenced-based interventions, and support pre-teacher programs in training candidates in structured literary instruction. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

EducationSupports EducationRequires dyslexia screenings, evidence-based interventions, teacher training, and funds implementation - directly advancing educational support for students and educators.95% confidence

Passed Dec 8, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Primary HB 942

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO HEALTH.

Maddy summaryHB 942 allocates state funds to the Department of Health to pay community-based health organizations for contracted health care services. It directly affects local clinics, nonprofits, and social service providers that deliver health care in communities. The key mechanism is directing state funding through the Department of Health to these organizations, rather than changing eligibility or service requirements. This is a funding bill focused on resource allocation, not altering health care policy or patient access rules.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates state funds to community health organizations via DOH for contracted services, increasing resource availability without altering eligibility or service requirements.95% confidence

In committee Dec 8, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 547

Passed · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO THE SPAYING AND NEUTERING OF ANIMALS.

Establishes the Spay and Neuter Special Fund to reduce pet overpopulation and the reproduction of free-roaming cats. Establishes various revenue and fundraising sources for the special fund. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes Spay/Neuter Special Fund via appropriations ($), income tax check-off, and special plates, directly funding a public service through tax mechanisms and budget allocation.90% confidence

Passed Dec 8, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 284

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Requires counties to grant building permits within sixty days if the application is stamped and certified by a licensed engineer and architect and other certain conditions are met.

HousingSupports HousingExpedited permits streamline housing development, increasing supply and aligning with housing advancement goals without restricting tenant rights or affordability.95% confidence

In committee Dec 8, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track