Establishes an exemption from mediation in paternity proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Clarifies the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to contract with a non-profit specializing in domestic violence to provide training and staff to be housed on-site in Child Welfare Services Branch offices to support all aspects of screening for and addressing domestic violence within a case. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summaryHB 233 would create a state-run breast milk bank operated by the Department of Health to provide donor milk for infants in medical need, primarily benefiting premature or ill newborns requiring specialized nutrition. The bill establishes a dedicated "breast milk bank special fund" to finance the program, with state funds allocated for operations and milk collection. It directly affects hospitals, healthcare providers, and families accessing donor milk for vulnerable infants. The bill does not change existing regulations but creates a new state-funded service to improve access to human milk for medical purposes.
Maddy summaryHB 1268 would expand family leave eligibility to cover an employee's domestic partner and the child of an employee's domestic partner. Currently, most family leave laws focus on blood relatives or spouses; this bill explicitly adds domestic partners and their children to the list of protected individuals. The key change is broadening who qualifies for leave under existing family leave policies, directly affecting employees in domestic partnerships who need time off for partner or partner-related family care. This is a policy update to the current leave framework, not yet enacted.
Increases the minimum age for use of low-speed electric bicycles. Prohibits the selling or offering for sale of bicycles equipped with motors except low-speed electric bicycles. Requires sellers of low-speed electric bicycles to provide purchasers with educational materials.
Maddy summaryHB 59 would exempt qualifying disabled veterans from paying county vehicle registration fees, highway beautification fees, and vehicle weight taxes. The bill directly affects disabled veterans who meet specific eligibility criteria set by the state. It removes these three specific fees from their vehicle-related costs, providing financial relief for this group. The policy change focuses solely on eliminating these targeted fees without altering other vehicle tax structures.
Establishes the Hawaii Food Security Special Fund to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit levels to those provided in federal fiscal year 2023. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database to be administered by the State Health Planning and Development Agency, to house a collection of data on the incidence of Parkinson's disease in the State. Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database Advisory Committee. Requires the Agency to create a Parkinson's disease research collection database webpage by 1/1/2026, and submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
Mandates state agencies to prioritize purchasing from local vendors whenever feasible. Allows state agencies to split contracts across multiple local vendors to enhance participation and competitiveness. Specifies when contracts may be awarded to multiple vendors.
Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, requires the Department of Education to include the teaching of financial literacy in kindergarten through grade twelve. Requires students in grades nine through twelve to complete a one-half credit in financial literacy before graduation. Requires the Board of Education to provide professional development to teachers who are teaching financial literacy courses.
