Rep. Justin Woodson

Establishes the Due Process in Immigration Proceedings Program within the Judiciary to provide legal representation to individuals in immigration-related proceedings. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Designates student transportation as critical infrastructure and a critical service for Hawaii's public education system. Requires all school bus contracts between the State and the contractor to include certain standards, performance metrics, and accountability requirements to prevent service disruptions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Appropriates funds to the Department of Health to purchase of one advanced life support ambulance and related equipment to be based in central Maui, fund pay-related personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical services personnel, and increase the predictability and stability of available air ambulance services for all islands in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Repeals the authority of the Department of Education to set the price for school meals, except to provide a lower rate or free meals through rules. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Authorizes a school to maintain a stock supply of bronchodilators to be administered under certain conditions. Authorizes certain employees of a school and department personnel to administer certain medication in emergency situations, under certain conditions. Amends prescription drug labeling requirements to include certain information related to a school, if applicable. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to conduct a study on methods to support department schools that may be impacted by electric utilities' planned public safety power shutoff program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the Office of Entrepreneurship. Authorizes the use of the Hawaii Film and Creative Industries Development Special Fund to fund a program in partnership with the Office that creates opportunities in film, media, electronic sports, and creative industries for new businesses. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires and appropriates funds to pay salary differentials to English language educators as an incentive to attract and retain these educators. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Excludes from the definition of "development" used for purposes of coastal zone management the reconstruction of certain structures that were damaged or destroyed in a disaster proclaimed to be a state of emergency or local state of emergency, under certain conditions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 617 appropriates state funds to establish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at the University of Hawaii Maui College. This bill directly affects students at the college who would gain access to a new nursing degree pathway starting July 1, 3000. The key provision is the allocation of dedicated funding to create and operate this specific academic program. The bill does not change existing nursing regulations or licensure requirements.