Prohibits pedestrians from walking along the roadway of an interstate highway, an auxiliary interstate highway, or certain state highways except while conducting authorized first responder duties or highway maintenance duties. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Designates student transportation as critical infrastructure and a critical service for Hawaii's public education system. Requires all school bus contracts between the State and the contractor to include certain standards, performance metrics, and accountability requirements to prevent service disruptions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summaryHB 1444 would change motor vehicle safety inspection requirements from annual to biennial (every two years). This directly affects vehicle owners in the state who currently need yearly inspections. The key provision replaces the annual inspection mandate with a two-year cycle for most vehicles. The bill focuses solely on altering the inspection frequency, with no other policy changes described in the abstract.
Authorizes the Department of Education to use alternative vehicles for student transportation under certain conditions. Allows the Department of Education to institute a staggered school hours program in public schools. Appropriates funds for the purchase of alternative vehicles and individuals to obtain CDL licensure. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Amends chapter 127A, HRS, to clarify state and county authority. Prohibits the Governor or a mayor from suspending requests for public records or vital specifics during a state of emergency. Adds definition of the term "severe warning". Allows the Legislature and county councils to terminate a state of emergency, in whole or in part, issued by the Governor or a mayor, respectively. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summaryHB 689 establishes safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical care or contact law enforcement. The bill directly affects individuals who have experienced sexual exploitation by shielding them from legal consequences (such as minor criminal charges) when accessing these services. Key provisions require medical providers and law enforcement to prioritize survivor safety and provide support without prosecuting related offenses like drug possession. The bill is currently pending committee review, with a scheduled hearing on February 11, 2025, and would take effect on July 1, 3000, if passed.
Increases the bonus for teachers who achieve and maintain a current national board certification from $5,000 to $10,000. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Authorizes the payment of allowances for TRICARE, TRICARE Dental Program, and vision coverage to all officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel of the Hawaii National Guard ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes the Office of Entrepreneurship. Authorizes the use of the Hawaii Film and Creative Industries Development Special Fund to fund a program in partnership with the Office that creates opportunities in film, media, electronic sports, and creative industries for new businesses. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summaryHB 98 allows public school complexes to use authentic assessments - such as real-world projects, presentations, or portfolios - as part of classroom-based performance evaluations for students. It directly affects teachers and school districts by expanding assessment options beyond traditional tests. The bill requires schools to implement these assessments within their existing classroom structures, without mandating new statewide testing. Effective July 1, 3000, this change aims to provide more diverse ways to measure student learning. The bill passed committee with amendments in February 2025, reflecting broad support for this classroom-focused approach.
