Rep. David Tarnas

Prohibits state contractors, prospective state contractors, holders of procurement prequalification certificates, or principals of these groups from making contributions to, or soliciting contributions from their employees or from subcontractors or principals of subcontractors on behalf of, certain candidate committees, noncandidate committees, and political party committees. Requires the Procurement Policy Board to adopt rules to issue prequalification certificates to prospective contractors for public buildings or other public works. Amends the contribution limits for certain individuals and noncandidate committees. Prohibits lobbyists and certain persons related to lobbyists from soliciting contributions from client lobbyists. Increases the administrative fines.

Pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement negotiated for Bargaining Unit (5) and subject to the availability of funds, provides annual salary step increases for public school teachers who have completed a year's satisfactory service and comply with specified requirements. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establish a medical education liaison position within the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine to support programs that utilize a team of medical specialists to support primary care providers and other health care professionals through mentorship and guidance. Appropriates funds.

Requires the Department of Human Services to establish and implement a Child Care Provider Subsidy and Bonus Program to provide subsidies to retain the existing child care workforce in licensed infant and toddler child care centers, group child care centers, and group child care homes and bonuses to registered family child care homes. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 625 establishes a program providing financial incentives to school districts that hire nationally certified school psychologists. It appropriates state funds to support these incentives, directly affecting school districts and school psychologists seeking certification. The key provision is the creation of a reimbursement or bonus system for districts employing psychologists meeting national certification standards. The bill passed committee with amendments on January 30, 2025, and is now moving toward potential floor consideration.

Establishes and appropriates funds for a digital navigator pilot program to offer technical assistance with computers and electronic devices to residents.

Maddy summaryHB 626 appropriates funds to the Hawaii Department of Education for its Hoʻākea Program, which aims to support educational initiatives (though specific program details are not described in the context). The bill was recently recommended for passage by the Education Committee with 10 ayes and 1 excused vote, moving it toward potential enactment. It would become effective on July 1, 2030, after the current legislative process. This funding measure directly affects the Department of Education’s budget and program implementation. The bill does not specify additional affected groups or detailed policy changes beyond the financial allocation.

Establishes a working group within the Department of the Attorney General to study the issue of squatting in Hawaii and provide recommendations. Requires reports to the legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services, to develop and establish a social work training program to assist nonviolent incarcerated individuals in the area of social work. Requires progress reports on the program to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Maddy summaryHB 875 allocates state funds for a dedicated tour guide position within the State Capitol's Public Access Room to enhance visitor experiences for tourism. The bill directly affects Capitol tourism operations by creating a permanent staff role focused on guiding public tours. Key provision: It appropriates specific budget resources for this position, rather than changing existing tourism policies. The bill is procedural in nature, focusing solely on funding a new staff role to support visitor access. (Note: The bill was recommended for deferral by the committee as of February 5, 2025.)