Rep. Lauren Matsumoto

Prohibits the Department of Human Services from using any social security income payments, including supplemental income payments it receives on behalf of a child under foster custody of the Department to cover the cost of foster care services. Requires the Department of Human Services to deposit all social security income payments received on behalf of a child under foster custody of the Department into a savings account that shall be made accessible to the child when the child leaves foster care custody.

Maddy summaryHB 1253 establishes the Hawaii Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) Program, which directly affects individuals on probation in Hawaii. The bill creates a structured probation program focused on swift, certain, and graduated sanctions for probation violations, rather than immediate incarceration. Administered by the Hawaii Judiciary, the program aims to improve probation compliance and reduce recidivism through consistent oversight and targeted interventions. This is a procedural bill creating a new program framework, not a substantive policy change to existing laws.

Requires the department of education to equip all classroom doors with interior locks, maintain a public address system, feature an emergency access route, and maintain fire alarms. Mandates the establishment of school emergency plans. Requires schools conduct regular testing and emergency preparedness drills. Appropriates funds.

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.

Designates the neighborhood commission as the appropriate oversight authority for application of the sunshine law to neighborhood boards. Authorizes neighborhood boards to discuss official government reports without placing it on the agenda, provided that no decision-making can be made.

Requires DAGS and DPS, in consultation with the legislature and other entities, to plan and implement security improvements at the state capitol. Requires DAGS to remove all parking meters from the capitol parking facility and reallocate parking in the capitol district. Appropriates funds.

Requires each Department of Education classroom to be equipped with an opioid antagonist. Requires the Department of Education to train employees on opioid-related drug overdose prevention, recognition, and response and opioid antagonist administration. Appropriates moneys.

Establishes tax credits for insurers providing full property coverage to owners and associations of condominiums in the amount equal to twenty per cent of the insurance premium. Provides additional ten per cent tax credits to insurers incorporated in the State.

Maddy summaryHB 1443 establishes a high school law enforcement curriculum-to-career pipeline program, directly affecting high school students and local law enforcement agencies. The bill allocates state funds to develop and implement a structured curriculum that connects classroom learning with career opportunities in law enforcement. Key provisions include creating standardized training modules for students and partnerships with law enforcement agencies to facilitate internships and job placement. This program aims to provide students with practical skills and pathways into public safety careers through targeted educational programming. The bill was introduced on January 23, 2025, and referred to relevant committees for further review.

Establishes a general excise tax exemption for the gross proceeds or income from the manufacture, production, packaging, and sale of diapers. Establishes a surcharge on the general excise tax and use tax for the sale or use of luxury cars.