Rep. Lauren Matsumoto

Maddy summaryHB 767 extends the deadline for voters to correct minor errors on their ballots after an election. It changes the timeframe from 5 business days to 13 calendar days, giving voters more time to fix issues like missing signatures or incorrect addresses. This directly affects voters who submit ballots with minor mistakes, ensuring they have a longer window to correct them before the ballots are rejected. The bill focuses on adjusting the administrative process for ballot curing without altering voting eligibility or election procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 598 prohibits health insurance plans from requiring patients to pay copays, deductibles, or other cost-sharing for certain diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations. This directly affects patients with insurance coverage who need these specific medical exams, such as those following abnormal mammogram results or for further evaluation beyond routine screening. The bill's key mechanism ensures insurers cannot impose out-of-pocket costs for these exams, making them fully covered under the plan. It applies to all health plans regulated under the bill's scope, removing financial barriers to necessary breast health diagnostics.

Establishes the Hawaii Covert Operations Against Smuggling and Transnational Threats program with the Department of Law Enforcement to combat smuggling of drugs and weapons and human trafficking.

Maddy summaryHB 495 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit Hawaii legislators to a maximum of 16 years of service in the state Legislature, affecting all current and future members of the House and Senate. The key provision would cap total service time, preventing lawmakers from serving indefinitely. This amendment is currently pending introduction in the Hawaii Legislature, with no committee action taken as of its January 2025 filing. The bill does not change existing term limits for other elected offices.

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.

Categorizes electric bicycles into three classes based on speed and operation. Establishes regulations for electric bicycles. Requires electric bicycle manufacturers and distributors to apply a label to each electric bicycle specifying the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle. Imposes licensure and insurance requirements for class three electric bicycles.

Maddy summaryHB 290 establishes that harming someone aged 60 or older automatically constitutes a crime against elders, removing the need to prove the perpetrator intended to target an elder. This means prosecutors only need to confirm the victim was 60+ to charge the offense, streamlining legal proceedings for elder abuse cases. The bill directly affects prosecutors handling elder abuse cases and individuals who commit such crimes. It creates a clearer legal standard by treating elder status as a strict liability factor, not requiring proof of intent regarding the victim's age.

Maddy summaryHB 574 creates a $3,000 state income tax credit for retired Hawaii National Guard members. This credit directly reduces their annual state income tax liability by $3,000. The bill specifically applies to veterans who served in the Hawaii National Guard and have retired from service. It was introduced on January 17, 2025, and passed first reading on January 21, 2025.

Prohibits parking of motor vehicles on the grounds of Iolani Palace. Requires DAGS to remove the blacktop, parking area, and paid parking adjacent to Iolani Palace. Requires DLNR to develop and maintain a pedestrian area adjacent to Iolani Palace. Requires DAGS and DLNR to report on cost analysis.

Requires each public high school in the State to require students to complete and pass 2 full years of Hawaiian language courses as a condition of graduation.