Rep. Amy Perruso

Amends the renewable fuels production tax credit by: increasing the tax credit rate; specifying that the credit may be claimed for fuels that meet certain lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and product transportation emissions thresholds; adding credit values for low lifecycle emissions renewable fuels and sustainable aviation fuels produced; allowing a taxpayer who previously claimed a credit to claim another credit for taxable years beginning after 12/31/2024; amending the credit period to be for a maximum period of ten consecutive years beginning from the effective date of this Act; and amending the required information in the certified statement. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Establishes and provides criteria for overdose prevention centers, including standards for the Department of Health to designate certain facilities as overdose prevention centers. Establishes an Overdose Prevention Center Oversight Committee. Provides immunity from state criminal prosecution for certain offenses for persons using a designated overdose prevention center and persons operating a designated overdose prevention center.

Authorizes a registered pharmacist under contract with a covered entity for purposes of the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program to supervise via telehealth the filling or receipt of a prescription in certain circumstances.

Authorizes the Director of Finance to issue general obligation bonds and appropriates funds to finance capital improvement projects for irrigation systems in the State. Converts the means of financing from the Irrigation System Revolving Fund to the general fund for certain positions in the Department of Agriculture. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the mayor of each county to appoint, and the county council or city council to confirm, a county medical examiner. Provides that the medical examiner for each county shall serve as the county's coroner. Makes conforming amendments. Appropriates moneys to the counties of Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai, for the establishment of county medical examiner positions.

Requires the Office of the Ombudsman to publish an annual report on its website that identifies the number and nature of complaints that it receives regarding the Child Welfare Services Branch of the Department of Human Services. Requires the Child Welfare Services Branch to provide notification to certain parties that complaints can also be filed with the Office of the Ombudsman. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Maddy summaryHB 554 designates the second new moon after the winter solstice each year as the state's official Lunar New Year observance, effective July 1, 3000. This is a symbolic designation with no near-term impact, as the effective date is over 995 years in the future. The bill does not change current holiday schedules or create new paid leave. It is a procedural measure to formally recognize Lunar New Year as a state holiday on a distant date. The committee recommended passage with amendments, but the bill will not affect any current or foreseeable legislative or policy implementation.

Prohibits officers, senior employees, consultants, and immediate family members of state or county contractors from contributing to candidate committees or noncandidate committees for the duration of the contract. Provides that if any unlawful contribution is not returned to the contributor within 30 days, the unlawful contribution shall escheat to the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund.

Authorizes the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund to be used to provide financial assistance to underserved ratepayers, in addition to other eligible borrowers. Appropriates funds into and out of the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 625 establishes a state-funded incentive program to attract and retain nationally certified school psychologists in public schools. It directly affects qualified school psychologists by providing financial incentives through appropriated state funds. The bill creates a mechanism where eligible psychologists receive annual payments upon meeting certification and employment requirements. The program is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 3000, and recently passed the Education Committee with 10 supportive votes. This is a funding-based policy change focused on addressing staffing needs in school mental health services.