Rep. Lauren Matsumoto

Primary HB 909

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO SCHOOL BUS SERVICES.

Authorizes the Department of Education to use alternative vehicles for student transportation under certain conditions and appropriates funds for the purchase of alternative vehicles and individuals to obtain CDL licensure. Allows Department schools to initiate staggered start times. Appropriates funds.

EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds for school transportation infrastructure and CDL licensure, supporting operational access to education.85% confidence TransportationSupports TransportationFunds alternative school bus vehicles and CDL training, directly advancing transportation infrastructure for student transit under DOT/DOE authority.95% confidence

In committee Jan 23, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Co-sponsor HB 839

In committee · Hawaii House · Co-sponsor

RELATING TO THE PSYCHOLOGY INTERJURISDICTIONAL COMPACT.

Adopts the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to allow a person authorized to practice psychology in a compact state in which the person is not licensed.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables psychologists licensed in compact states to practice across state lines, improving access to mental health services per bill's purpose.90% confidence

In committee Jan 23, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Primary HB 853

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Establishes a refundable Family Caregiver Tax Credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the department of taxation to report to the legislature before the convening of each regular session.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes refundable tax credit for caregivers, providing direct tax relief to lower-income families per DOTAX subjects.95% confidence

In committee Jan 23, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 294

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOMELANDS LEASES.

Requires leases used in the conveyance of available lands as defined by section 203 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, as amended, to conform to the requirements for securitization by federally insured lending programs.

HousingSupports HousingAligns DHHL leases with federal securitization standards, enabling financing for housing development under Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, advancing affordable housing access.85% confidence

In committee Jan 21, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 573

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.

Creates an exemption within the existing limits on recovery to ensure that accepting restitution under chapter 487 does not prohibit an individual from a separate recovery from an action brought under chapter 480 for unfair and deceptive practices.

In committee Jan 21, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 355

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO AN INCOME TAX CREDIT.

Maddy summaryHB 355 creates a nonrefundable individual income tax credit for homeowners who pay to retrofit their residences with wind-resistant devices. It directly affects taxpayers who incur expenses for qualifying storm-resistant home improvements. The credit reduces the homeowner's state income tax liability dollar-for-dollar based on eligible retrofit costs. This policy change provides a financial incentive for residential storm safety upgrades without generating tax refunds.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates nonrefundable income tax credit reducing homeowner tax liability, providing direct tax relief under income tax policy.95% confidence

In committee Jan 21, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 723

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.

Mandates state agencies to prioritize purchasing from local vendors whenever feasible. Allows state agencies to split contracts across multiple local vendors to enhance participation and competitiveness. Specifies when contracts may be awarded to multiple vendors.

In committee Jan 21, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 647

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO MARRIAGE OF MINORS.

Raises the minimum age requirement to enter into marriage from sixteen to eighteen years of age. Removes the parental consent and written approval by the family court requirements for a minor to marry. Removes spousal cohabitation after the parties attain legal age as an exception for an annulment based on nonage. Makes conforming amendments.

In committee Jan 21, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 216

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

Establishes requirements for the clinical review criteria and clinical practical guidelines used to establish step therapy protocols. Provides a process for a patient to request an exception to using step therapy protocols. Establishes insurance coverage requirements relating to the use of step therapy protocols and standards to appeal an adverse step therapy exception determination.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates patient exceptions and appeals for step therapy, improving access to prescribed medications under insurance coverage.85% confidence

In committee Jan 21, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 265

In committee · Hawaii House · Lead sponsor

RELATING TO TEACHER RETENTION.

Establishes the Onipaʻa Teacher Bonus Program to address teacher retention and award teachers for outstanding and extended service in the department of education. Ensures that general education teachers assigned to special education inclusion classes receive the same additional benefits as special education teachers.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state-funded teacher bonus program, increasing education budget allocation for retention and staffing.90% confidence EducationSupports EducationEstablishes teacher bonus program and equalizes benefits to improve retention, directly supporting educators and addressing staffing challenges in schools.95% confidence Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides teacher bonuses and equal benefits for special education inclusion teachers, strengthening employment incentives and compensation within education staffing.90% confidence

In committee Jan 21, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track