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.
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.
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.
Amends the definition of "eligible business activity" for enterprise zone program purposes to include retail sales of tangible personal property manufactured and sold in the enterprise zone that is to be used or consumed by the purchaser and not for resale, the processing of value-added agricultural products grown within an enterprise zone, and the provision of professional services by health care professionals in health care related sectors.
Proposes a constitutional amendment that would establish local school boards throughout the State to be elected by the voters and to serve no more than twelve years as a member.
Maddy summaryHB 520 excludes tips received by employees from state income tax calculations, meaning workers will not pay state income tax on money earned from tips. This directly affects tipped employees, such as those in restaurants or hospitality, who currently have tips included in their taxable income. The bill changes the definition of taxable income by specifically removing tips from gross, adjusted gross, and taxable income for state tax purposes. The policy change would reduce the state tax burden for eligible employees without altering federal tax treatment.
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.
Requires educational institutions with elementary students to allow faculty and staff to provide time and space for students to engage in student-led group prayer or individual student prayer. Prohibits discipline or admonishment based on participation or non-participation in prayer.
Amends provisions relating to criteria in family court determinations regarding custody and visitation rights. Clarifies that no court shall consider a parent's affirmation of their child's gender identity or expression in a custody determination.
Maddy summaryHB 283 would eliminate the state individual income tax for all residents, directly affecting every person who files a state income tax return. The bill's key provision removes the requirement for individuals to pay tax on their earnings, effectively replacing the current tax structure with a different revenue source (though specifics aren't detailed in the abstract). As a newly introduced bill (first reading passed January 17, 2025), it remains pending further committee review and has not yet become law.
