Rep. Diamond Garcia

Establishes a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree if the conviction is predicated on the possession of methamphetamine or fentanyl, and progressive mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment if the person has prior convictions predicated on the trafficking of methamphetamine or the possession of methamphetamine or fentanyl.

Creates the offense of urinating or defecating in public. Provides penalties for public urination or defecation. Requires mental health evaluation and supportive services for a person experiencing homelessness who is arrested for urinating or defecating in public places.

Maddy summaryHB 575 creates a new income tax deduction specifically for tips received by tipped employees, such as restaurant servers and bartenders. This means workers can subtract their tip earnings from their taxable income, reducing the amount of income subject to state income tax. The bill directly affects service industry workers who rely on tips as a significant part of their compensation. The key provision establishes a clear, stand-alone deduction for tip income in the state's tax code.

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.

Provides that a new certificate of birth issued by the State shall include a designation of the sex of the person born, based on the genitalia of the person. Authorizes amendments of designations of sex on certificates of birth, provided that the birth registrant is an adult, and a new designation is based on the genitalia of the birth registrant, as confirmed by a physician or physician's assistant. Requires certain original certificates to be unsealed and new certificates to be marked as amended with regard to sex designation.

Prohibits the addition of fluoride to a public water system. Preempts and voids conflicting laws, executive orders, ordinances, regulations, or rules.

Maddy summaryHB 581 allocates state funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) for constructing new housing units specifically for Native Hawaiians eligible for Hawaiian Home Lands. The bill directly affects Native Hawaiians who qualify for DHHL housing under state law by enabling the development of new residential properties. Key provisions include authorizing the use of appropriated funds for new construction projects on Hawaiian Home Lands, rather than repairs or existing units. This funding mechanism aims to expand housing availability for the designated population through DHHL's development programs.

Requires the office of legislative analyst to produce fiscal notes on all fiscal bills. Prohibits a committee from making a decision on a fiscal bill without a fiscal note. Mandates that fiscal notes be made available to the public. Appropriates funds.

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.

Expands eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to include any individual or household whose monthly income is equal to or less than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level. Appropriates funds.