Rep. Diamond Garcia

Maddy summaryHB 311 would exempt certain medical services, including dental care, from the state's general excise tax. This change would directly affect healthcare providers who currently collect this tax on these services and patients who pay for them. The bill's key provision is to remove the tax burden for these specific medical services, making them more affordable. It does not change existing tax rules for other services or products.

Offers rights and protections to citizens who bring civil nuisance abatement suits related to illegal gambling. Imposes a mandatory fine of $5,0000 for violating nuisance abatement laws related to gambling offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 258 proposes creating a supplemental sports program for high school students in West Oahu, requiring the Department of Education to implement it. The bill directly affects West Oahu high school students by adding this program to existing athletic opportunities. It does not change current sports policies but mandates the Department of Education to develop and run this new supplemental initiative. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been enacted.

Establishes the Office of Entrepreneurship. Creates a program in partnership with the Hawaii film and creative industries development special fund. Appropriates moneys to establish the Office of Entrepreneurship.

Specifies that the penalty for sex trafficking shall be payment of a fine of no less than $200,000 but no more than $500,000, and a definite term of imprisonment of up to 20 years without the possibility of a suspended sentence, probation, or parole. Provides that consent to sexual conduct is not a defense. Defines "sexual conduct". Specifies that a minor who commits an offense under section 712-1207(1)(a), HRS, shall be guilty of a violation instead of a petty misdemeanor. Provides that a person who reports that the person is a victim of sex trafficking shall not be subject to criminal liability for an offense involving sex trafficking or prostitution. Increases the penalties for commercial sexual exploitation of a minor. Requires DHS to implement services and programs for survivors and training for law enforcement. Appropriates funds. Requires annual report.

Authorizes the Department of the Interior of the United States to adopt certain regulations for the purposes of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. Provides that not less than 5 of the members shall be beneficiaries who are native Hawaiian as defined in section 201(a) of the Act, and that not more than 4 of the members shall be descendants of not less than one-fourth part of the blood of the races inhabiting the Hawaiian Islands previous to 1778.

Establishes an ombudsman's office for homeowner associations within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Establishes an ombudsman's office special fund. Requires board members of condominium associations, cooperative housing corporations, and planned community associations to meet certain educational requirements through classes offered by the ombudsman. Updates statutes relating to condominium associations, cooperative housing corporations, and planned community associations to integrate the role and functions of the ombudsman's office for homeowner associations. Appropriates funds for establishment of the ombudsman's office. Declares that the appropriation exceeds the state general fund expenditure ceiling for 2024-2025.

Establishes the rare disease advisory council to increase awareness and effective medical intervention for rare diseases. Establishes the rare disease advisory council special fund. Requires DOH and DOE to incorporate the importance of annual physical examinations for children in programs and literature. Amends the insurance code to include coverage for individuals with velocardiofacial syndrome and other genetic disorders. Exempts from cost sharing. Appropriates funds.

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)

Beginning 1/1/2026, requires health insurers and mutual benefit societies to provide coverage for traditional native Hawaiian healing and cultural practices offered through a Federally Qualified Health Center or a Native Hawaiian Health Care System.