Rep. Lisa Marten

Expands the definitions of "preceptor" and "volunteer-based supervised clinical training rotation" to improve accessibility for providers to receive income tax credits for acting as preceptors, including removing "primary care" from the criteria to qualify as a preceptor. Adds dietitians, physician assistants, and social workers to the list of preceptors and eligible students. Expands eligibility for the tax credit to include accredited residency programs that require preceptor support. Adds the Director of Health and representatives of residency programs with eligible students to the Preceptor Credit Assurance Committee. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2025. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD2)

Maddy summaryHCR 180 is a concurrent resolution requesting coordination among Hawaii's Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, law enforcement agencies, county homeless coordinators, and social service providers to address homelessness. It specifically asks these groups to collaborate on five key actions: preventing encampments near waterways to protect health and environment, reducing trash and abandoned shopping carts causing pollution, improving safety at bus stops and business entrances, connecting homeless individuals with support services, and advancing the Kauhale Initiative for shelter and housing. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but urges existing agencies to work together more effectively. It directly affects county-level homelessness response systems, law enforcement, and social service providers across Hawaii.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding concurrent resolution (not a legislative bill) urging Hawaii's state and county governments to prioritize freshwater protection for coastal waters. It recognizes that freshwater flows from rivers, streams, and groundwater are vital for maintaining healthy coral reefs, native marine species (like 'o'opu fish), and traditional Hawaiian practices, citing the Hawaii Constitution's water protection clauses. The resolution requests agencies develop water management plans and public education efforts to balance human needs with environmental sustainability but does not create new laws or funding requirements. It serves as a symbolic reaffirmation of existing constitutional obligations under Hawaii law.

Maddy summaryHCR 42 is a resolution encouraging Hawaii's counties to develop their own biosecurity plans. It does not require counties to create these plans but urges them to tailor strategies to local challenges like climate, agriculture, and invasive species threats. The resolution emphasizes that plans should prioritize each county's specific needs for preventing harmful plant and animal invasions. It also recommends counties collaborate with each other and state agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, to improve invasive species response efforts.

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to submit an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for reentry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHCR 37 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to partner with county emergency management offices (including Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai) to create outreach programs. It specifically aims to inform kupuna (elderly Hawaiians, who make up 19% of the state population and face higher risks during disasters due to health or communication barriers) about emergency preparedness. The resolution does not create new laws but asks agencies to develop educational initiatives to improve safety for this vulnerable group during natural disasters like hurricanes or tsunamis.

Maddy summaryHCR 69 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's State Fire Marshal to convene a working group focused on wildfire risk reduction. The group will study regulations defining property owner obligations for vegetation management on public and private land and establish minimum safety standards, training, and qualifications for tree trimmers near electric utility lines. This follows the 2023 Maui wildfires, which highlighted risks from vegetation near power lines and high fatality rates in tree trimming work. The working group will make recommendations to inform future regulations, but the resolution itself does not create new laws.

Establishes the Health Information Technology Infrastructure Grant Program within the Department of Health, to be administered by the State Health Planning and Development Agency, to support health information technology infrastructure and the implementation of interoperable health information technologies in federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program centers, and Native Hawaiian health centers. Appropriates funds for the grant program. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 596 clarifies the specific types of events that qualify as disasters or emergencies under the state's emergency management system. It directly affects emergency management agencies and local governments by defining the scope of events triggering emergency protocols. The bill establishes clear criteria for what constitutes a disaster or emergency, replacing vague terms with specific examples. It takes effect on July 1, 2050.

Authorizes the Department of Education to subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student enrolled in a 4-year college campus of the University of Hawaii System with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a State-Approved Teacher Education Program under certain conditions. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD2)