Rep. David Alcos

Maddy summaryHB 518, currently pending in the 2025 session, proposes to prohibit licensed attorneys from representing clients in small claims court. This would directly affect individuals who typically use small claims court for disputes involving lower monetary amounts (like unpaid debts or minor property issues), as they would no longer be able to hire lawyers for these cases. The key provision is a blanket ban on attorney representation in this specific court forum. The bill is still in early stages and has not become law.

Prohibits certain foreign parties or their agents, trustees, and fiduciaries from owning, purchasing, or acquiring an interest in agricultural lands. Establishes an Office of Agricultural Intelligence within the Department of Agriculture to investigate claims that land is unlawfully owned by a prohibited foreign party. Requires the Attorney General to undertake enforcement activities. Appropriates moneys.

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.

Categorizes electric bicycles into three classes based on speed and operation. Requires electric bicycle manufacturers and distributors to apply a label to each electric bicycle. Authorizes county police to confiscate bicycles for certain offenses. Increases penalty fee paid upon redemption. Imposes a requirement that counties inform individuals of the applicable traffic code, safety information, and penalties for violations at the time of registering a bicycle.

Limits condominium board members to serving no more than two consecutive terms. Allows such members to resume their positions after one term has passed since their departure.

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 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.

Clarifies that a person who uses deadly force in self-defense does not have a duty to retreat if they are in their dwelling or on their property unless they are the initial aggressor. Repeals statutory language that permits a person to use deadly force at their place of work.

Maddy summaryHB 1444 would change motor vehicle safety inspection requirements from annual to biennial, meaning inspections would be needed every two years instead of yearly. This directly affects vehicle owners who must get inspections to keep their vehicles registered. The key provision is extending the inspection interval, reducing the frequency of required checks. The bill proposes this change to adjust the inspection schedule without altering safety standards.

Exempts food and groceries from the general excise tax. Expands a 2024 session law exempting certain medical and dental services to include all medical and dental services.