Adopts the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to allow a person authorized to practice psychology in a compact state in which the person is not licensed.
Rep. Jeanné Kapela
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 689 establishes legal protections ("safe harbor") for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical care or contact law enforcement. It directly affects survivors by shielding them from legal consequences for actions related to their exploitation, such as possession of controlled substances or minor legal violations. The bill creates a clear pathway for survivors to access necessary services without fear of prosecution. It takes effect on July 1, 3000, as stated in the official abstract. This is a substantive policy change focused on survivor safety and access to support.
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.
Prohibits the construction, modification, or expansion of waste or disposal facilities that are near or above a significant aquifer. Allows counties to apply for exemptions to state siting standards if they meet certain criteria.
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.
Establishes and appropriates funds for student transportation coordinators positions within the Department of Education to strengthen student transportation services across the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Imposes a cap on charges for searching for, reviewing, and segregating government records under the Uniform Information Practices Act. Provides for a waiver of fees in certain circumstances when the public interest is served by a government record's disclosure.
Establishes a Democracy Dollars Program to be administered by the Campaign Spending Commission to provide vouchers to eligible residents for the purpose of making contributions to certain candidates, beginning with the 2028 elections.
Appropriates funds to increase the funding for Medicaid in-home services, conditioned on the Department of Human Services obtaining the maximum federal matching funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summaryHB 1489 allocates state funds to the Department of Human Services (DHS) to administer core homelessness services. It directly affects individuals experiencing homelessness by providing resources for essential support programs, though the specific services (e.g., shelters, case management) are not detailed in the abstract. The bill’s key mechanism is funding distribution through DHS, requiring the department to manage these services under the state’s homelessness strategy. As of its current status, the bill is pending in the 2026 Regular Session after being referred to relevant committees in 2025.