Rep. Darius Kila

Maddy summaryHB 1826 appropriates funds to each county government to cover the costs of collecting feral chickens that have already been captured. The bill directly affects county animal control or agricultural departments by providing financial resources for handling already-secured feral chicken populations. It does not establish new capture methods or regulations, only funding for processing existing captures. As a funding measure, it has no substantive policy changes beyond allocating resources for current operations. (Bill: HB 1826, Title: RELATING TO FERAL CHICKENS)

Maddy summaryHB 1746 establishes a rapid DNA investigative lead program within the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), allowing officers to quickly test DNA evidence from crime scenes to identify suspects. The bill appropriates funding to support this program, directly affecting HPD operations and criminal investigations. Key provisions include creating a dedicated unit to process DNA samples rapidly (within hours instead of weeks) to generate investigative leads. This program aims to expedite solving violent crimes by leveraging immediate DNA analysis, with no mention of broader public impact beyond law enforcement use.

Extends child care subsidies to disabled parents or guardians, regardless of their employment status. Requires the Department of Human Services to evaluate caregiver capacity and dependent-care responsibilities when determining eligibility for medicaid home- and community-based services. Requires the Department of Human Services to update its evaluation form and functional assessment protocols related to level of care and at-risk needs determinations. Appropriates funds.

Beginning no later than the 2028-2029 school year, requires the Department of Education to administer a dyslexia-sensitive universal screening to all students in kindergarten through grade three. Beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, requires certain employees of public schools to have an opportunity to participate in training on literacy instruction. Requires a report to the Legislature and Board of Education before the 2031-2032 school year. Appropriates funds.

Requires only selected redemption centers to send monthly or semi-annual distribution reports and supporting records to the Deposit Beverage Container Program. Repeals the requirement that all deposit beverage distributors develop and submit an internal control process to the Deposit Beverage Container Program and obtain independent audits for years ending in an odd number.

Beginning 1/1/2027, repeals the fourteen years and under age limit for health insurance coverage requirements for the diagnosis and treatment of autism. Repeals the maximum coverage benefit limit of $25,000 for applied behavioral analysis services.

Prohibits discrimination based on: (1) The perception that a person possesses certain characteristics; (2) The perception that a person is associated with a person who possesses, or is perceived to possess, certain characteristics; or (3) The intersection or combination of two or more specified characteristics in relation to a person.

Beginning 1/1/2027, prohibits the sale of flavored nicotine products and nicotine product flavor enhancers and the mislabeling of e-liquids as nicotine free. Establishes penalties for violations. Authorizes the Department of Health to appoint, commission, or contract for services of inspectors. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds.

Establishes safe riding behaviors for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of high-speed electric devices in certain locations. Beginning 12/31/2026, establishes labeling and signage requirements for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of a moped or electric motorcycle in certain locations. Amends the definition of "bicycle" for purposes of county vehicular taxes. Defines "electric bicycle" in place of "low-speed electric bicycle". Defines "electric micro-mobility device" and requires the same regulations as electric foot scooters. Prohibits a person under the age of sixteen from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Authorizes a person under the age of fourteen to operate class 2 electric bicycles under supervision. Prohibits a person from riding a class 3 electric bicycle on a sidewalk. Authorizes a person to ride a class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle on a sidewalk under certain circumstances. Prohibits a person from operating a bicycle or electric foot scooter under the age of eighteen without a helmet. Repeals the requirement that moped drivers use bicycle lanes. Substitutes the term "motor-driven cycle" with the term "motor scooter".

Beginning 1/1/2027, requires health insurers, mutual benefit societies, health maintenance organizations, and health plans under the State's Medicaid managed care program to provide coverage for brief cognitive assessments for individuals fifty years of age and older.