Rep. Julie Reyes Oda

Maddy summaryHB 2366 prohibits health insurance plans from requiring patients to pay out-of-pocket costs (like copays or coinsurance) for specific diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations ordered by a doctor. This directly affects patients who need these exams for evaluation or follow-up, removing a financial barrier to accessing care. The bill targets cost-sharing requirements for exams deemed medically necessary, not routine screenings. It aims to ensure patients aren't financially hindered from receiving recommended diagnostic services.

Authorizes the forfeiture of real property when used to commit promoting gambling in the first or second degree regardless of whether it was committed without the knowledge and consent of the owner. Authorizes the forfeiture of real property under the gambling forfeiture section.

Requires the Advisory Board of Directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority to be composed of seven, rather than twelve, members. Requires the Governor to appoint members to the Advisory Board from lists provided by certain organizations representing the tourism industry.

Requires hotelkeepers to supply and provide annual training on the proper use and limitations of a panic button to certain workers no later than 1/1/2027.

Requires all state building construction begun on or after 7/1/2026 to provide at least 1 universal changing accommodation in each public restroom designated as a family or assisted-use restroom, where feasible.

Establishes an occupational licensing task force to identify the ways in which state regulation of occupational licensure may be reformed to lessen the barrier of entry to fields of gainful employment while ensuring consumers remain protected. Imposes a reporting requirement. Appropriates funds.

Requires the University of Hawaii System to implement a financial literacy program offered at all campuses at no cost to students. Appropriates funds.

Requires the Department of Education to establish an electronic dashboard on its website that details the status of repair projects at all department schools.

Establishes the facilities relocation task force to identify and address the issue of the inequitable location of mental health facilities, clean and sober homes, homeless shelters, and supportive living homes across the island of Oahu, particularly on the Waianae Coast. Appropriates funds.

Maddy summaryHB 2552 allows temporary exemptions from specific healthcare licensing requirements during declared emergencies, enabling out-of-state or temporarily unlicensed healthcare workers to provide services. It directly affects healthcare workers seeking to practice during crises and patients needing urgent care access. The bill mandates that the state submit an annual report to the legislature detailing how these waivers were implemented and their impact. This creates a structured process for expanding workforce flexibility in emergencies while maintaining accountability.