Sen. Lorraine Inouye

Maddy summarySB 2559 would authorize the Disability and Communication Access Board to issue disability parking travel placards directly to qualified applicants. This bill changes the process by giving the Board explicit authority to issue these placards, rather than relying on previous administrative procedures. It directly affects individuals with disabilities who need accessible parking permits to park in designated spaces. The bill focuses on streamlining the issuance process for these placards.

Prohibits any employer or employee from subjecting an employee to abusive conduct. Requires employers and certain employees to take all reasonable preventative and responsive measures to ensure a safe work environment free of abusive conduct. Prohibits employers and certain employees from taking retaliatory actions against employees who engage in certain protected acts. Establishes a penalty, private cause of action, and remedies. Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to adopt rules.

Permits the Department of Education and charter schools to hire unlicensed individuals as teachers on an emergency basis for five, rather than three, years. Requires the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to adopt rules.

Establishes a tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel distribution in Hawaii to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Provides $1 per gallon, increasing by 2 cents per additional 1 per cent emissions reduction, up to $2 per gallon. Caps total credits at $20,000,000 annually, with carryover provisions. Requires reporting to ensure transparency and compliance. Applies to taxable years after December 31, 2025, and sunsets on December 31, 2035.

Extends child care subsidies to disabled parents or guardians, regardless of their employment status. Requires the Department of Human Services to evaluate caregiver capacity and dependent-care responsibilities when determining eligibility for medicaid home- and community-based services. Requires the Department of Human Services to update its evaluation form and functional assessment protocols related to level of care and at-risk needs determinations. Appropriates funds.

Requires cardiovascular screening for students, including student athletes. Requires the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Health, to distribute educational and informational materials regarding sudden cardiac arrest. Requires the Department of Education to implement policies, programs, training, and continuing education that increase health care provider knowledge of cardiovascular screening guidelines.

Requires the 911 Board to establish, implement, and maintain a statewide emergency safety profile system that allows residents to voluntarily create and manage secure personal profiles containing information relevant to emergency responses.

Exempts condominium associations and managing agents from providing documentation not already in existence or preparing forms to facilitate a private sales transaction.

Establishes an independent Office of the Child Advocate within the Office of the Ombudsman to oversee and evaluate the delivery of services to children and their families by various state agencies and entities, receive and investigate complaints, and make recommendations for improvement. Requires annual reports to the Governor, Legislature, and public. Appropriates funds.

Establishes the Hanai Memory Network Program within the Executive Office on Aging to create a network of dementia care specialists and support systems to assist individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Appropriates funds.