Rep. Lisa Marten

Imposes an additional fee for a certificate of registration for motor vehicles, to be deposited into the Safe Routes to School Program Special Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure that the inherent and inalienable right of the people, including present and future generations, to clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate, healthy native ecosystems, and beaches shall be protected and shall not be infringed.

Maddy summaryHB 694 establishes a refundable child tax credit for families with children, directly affecting households with qualifying dependents who file state income tax returns. The credit allows eligible families to receive money back from the state even if they owe no income tax, with the amount determined by the bill's specific formula (not detailed in the abstract). It applies to tax returns filed for taxable years starting after December 31, 2025, meaning the credit would first be available for 2026 tax filings. The bill is currently in committee referral and has not yet been voted on.

Requires the Department of Education to establish and administer a two-year school librarian pilot program to provide funding for qualifying schools to hire librarians. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes a school capital improvement project modernization initiative in the School Facilities Authority to create a planning database for school facilities. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Clarifies the definition of "covered employer" under the Hawaii Retirement Savings Act. Requires covered employers to automatically enroll covered employees into the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program unless the employee chooses to opt out. Repeals the limit on the total fees and expenses that can be spent for the Program each year. Appropriates funds to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for the development and operation of the Program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 531 would authorize Hawaii to issue special license plates featuring recognition of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. These plates would allow vehicle owners to display a dedicated plate design supporting the cancer center, with the program becoming effective July 1, 2030. The bill creates a new plate option without altering existing vehicle registration rules or imposing costs on the state. It directly affects vehicle owners who choose to purchase these plates as a form of public recognition for the cancer center.

Maddy summaryHB 213 allocates state funds to the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program, directly supporting healthcare professionals who took out education loans. The bill provides financial assistance to repay qualifying student loans for professionals working in underserved areas or specific healthcare roles. Key provisions include using state appropriations to cover a portion of eligible loan payments, reducing financial barriers for healthcare workers. The program becomes effective July 1, 3000 (a date likely indicating a placeholder or error in the abstract).

Appropriates funds for the University of Hawaii I Hoa Na Moolelo program, including for the hiring of a graduate assistant, hiring of undergraduate writers, and acquiring a new website domain. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Appropriates funds for eight full-time agricultural technician, and four full-time coordinator positions at University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.