Rep. Chris Muraoka

Maddy summaryHB 291 clarifies circumstances where using deadly force in self-defense is not justified and removes the requirement for individuals to retreat or surrender property before using deadly force. The bill directly affects people who use force in self-defense scenarios, such as in home invasions or threats to personal safety. Its key provision eliminates the obligation to attempt retreat or give up possessions before resorting to deadly force. This changes the legal standard by making it easier for individuals to claim self-defense without first trying to avoid confrontation. The bill is currently pending introduction in the legislature.

Amend the State's regulation of sun screening devices on motor vehicles by lowering the allowable amount of light transmittance for vehicle windows from 35%, plus or minus 6%, to 25%, plus or minus 5%.

Maddy summaryHB 290 establishes that harming someone aged 60 or older automatically constitutes a crime against elders, removing the need to prove the perpetrator intended to target an elder. This means prosecutors only need to confirm the victim was 60+ to charge the offense, streamlining legal proceedings for elder abuse cases. The bill directly affects prosecutors handling elder abuse cases and individuals who commit such crimes. It creates a clearer legal standard by treating elder status as a strict liability factor, not requiring proof of intent regarding the victim's age.

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.

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.

Establishes the Hawaii Efficient Transitional Homes Commission to provide recommendations for the efficient, effective, and transparent management of transitional homes. Requires annual reports to the Legislature.

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.

Establishes a Department of Education statewide policy for cell phone use in all department schools to ensure clear and enforceable guidelines and foster an environment conducive to learning.