Rep. Lisa Marten

Authorizes a licensed health care provider properly trained in the medical forensic care of a patient who has experienced sexual assault or abuse, upon consultation with a minor patient who indicates that the minor was the victim of a sexual offense, with the consent of the minor patient, to perform customary and necessary examinations to obtain evidence of the sexual offense and may prescribe for and treat the patient for any immediate condition caused by the sexual offense. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 471 requires the state Board of Education to create Korean language programs in public schools and allocates funding for these initiatives. The bill directly affects school districts, which would implement the programs, and students who would have access to Korean language learning opportunities. Key provisions include mandating the Board to establish the programs and providing dedicated state funds to support their development and operation. This is a substantive policy change focused on expanding language education options, not a procedural measure.

Beginning on 1/1/2026, increases transient accommodations tax rates by 1 percentage point. Deposits the increased revenues into the Hawaiian Home General Loan Fund established under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, as amended. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Transportation to establish and implement a five-year Interisland Transportation Fee Reimbursement Pilot Program, to be funded by revenues received from the rental motor vehicle surcharge. Extends the increase of the rental motor vehicle surcharge by $0.50 each year from 12/31/2027 to 12/31/2031. Appropriates funds.

Maddy summaryHB 365 prohibits the farming of octopus in aquaculture operations within the state. The bill directly affects businesses or entities currently engaged in or planning to raise octopus commercially. Its key provision bans these specific octopus farming activities, with an effective date listed as July 1, 3000 (a likely typographical error, as this date is far in the future). The bill is currently pending in committee after receiving a favorable recommendation for passage with amendments.

Maddy summaryHB 767 extends the deadline for voters to fix minor errors on ballots (a process called "ballot curing") from 5 business days to 13 calendar days after an election. This change directly affects voters who submit ballots with small mistakes, such as missing signatures or incorrect addresses, giving them more time to correct these issues. The bill modifies the existing election timeline to provide greater flexibility for voters to resolve technical ballot problems. It is currently pending in the 2026 Regular Session after being carried over from 2025.

Establishes a two-year pilot program that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, requires the Department of Education to provide free school lunch to all students enrolled at a department school. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Repeals on 6/30/2027.

Establishes the position of Ka Papahana Kaiapuni Program Complex Area Superintendent. Requires that at least one at-large member of the Board of Education be a proficient Hawaiian speaking educator, practitioner, or scholar of Hawaiian studies or the Hawaiian language, to be selected from a list of three nominees submitted by the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Clarifies the purpose and objective of the Hawaiian Language Medium Education Program. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryHB 611 establishes a streamlined legal process to determine parentage for individuals using assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization or surrogacy. It directly affects parents and children involved in these arrangements by creating clearer, more efficient procedures for establishing legal parentage. The key provision simplifies the current system, reducing bureaucratic steps and potential legal disputes. The bill is currently pending in committee referral and has not advanced further in the legislative process.

Establishes the Spay and Neuter Special Fund to reduce pet overpopulation, including the free-roaming cat population, and authorizes an income tax designation to provide revenues into the special fund. Requires that female cats over the age of three months and male cats over the age of five months be surgically sterilized, with certain exceptions. Authorizes county animal control authorities to establish and enforce a permit program to allow the responsible breeding of cats. Establishes minimum requirements for breeding permits and penalties. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. Applies to taxable years after 12/31/2025. (HD1)