Rep. Chris Muraoka

Requires the department of education to prohibit electronic telecommunication device usage during the instructional day and implement a social media and artificial intelligence literacy education campaign. Creates exemptions for students requiring accommodations, emergency situations, and teacher authorizations. Requires the department of education to submit a report three years after the initial effective date, and then every five years thereafter.

Authorizes the forfeiture of real property when used to commit promoting gambling in the first or second degree regardless of whether it was committed without the knowledge and consent of the owner. Authorizes the forfeiture of real property under the gambling forfeiture section.

Maddy summaryHB 2402 creates a new misdemeanor offense for promoting gambling in the third degree. This bill directly affects individuals or businesses that actively encourage or facilitate gambling activities, such as operating unlicensed betting services. The key provision establishes a specific criminal penalty for these promotion activities, making them punishable as a misdemeanor under state law. The bill is currently in its early stages, having been introduced on January 27, 2026, and referred to committee on February 2, 2026.

Provides a path for expungement from the child abuse and neglect registry for survivors of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, or coercive abuse if certain conditions are met.

Requires the University of Hawaii System to implement a financial literacy program offered at all campuses at no cost to students. Appropriates funds.

Establishes the facilities relocation task force to identify and address the issue of the inequitable location of mental health facilities, clean and sober homes, homeless shelters, and supportive living homes across the island of Oahu, particularly on the Waianae Coast. Appropriates funds.

Maddy summaryHB 2521 exempts the sale of groceries, healthcare services, and utility services from the general excise tax. This means businesses selling these specific items or services - like grocery stores, hospitals, and electricity/water providers - would no longer pay this tax on those transactions. The bill defines key terms to clarify which services qualify for the exemption. It directly affects businesses in these sectors by reducing their tax burden on core customer transactions.

Ensures Department of Education and charter school students receive nonpartisan information, before reaching voting age, on how to properly preregister or register to vote.

Requires the State Building Code Council to provide greater flexibility for the use of alternative materials, designs, or methods of construction within the specifications of the Hawaii state building codes. Authorizes procurement debriefing and award protests for awards that do not account for the alternatives.

Protects the right of individuals to make autonomous decisions regarding medical interventions without discrimination, coercion, or exclusion by public or private entities. Requires the Department of Health to amend its rules. Requires a report to the Legislature.