Sen. Les Ihara

Requires medical facilities filing for bankruptcy to inform every patient or former patient by written notice prior to filing for bankruptcy that the patient or former patient is entitled to a copy of the patient's or former patient's own medical records at no charge. Requires the medical facilities to provide a paper or electronic copy of the medical records to the patient or former patient upon request.

Establishes hazing in the first degree as a misdemeanor.

Prohibits enforced wage secrecy and retaliation or discrimination against employees who disclose, discuss, or inquire about their own or co-workers' wages.

Establishes a preference under the procurement code for employers who pledge to hire individuals with disabilities when contracting for goods, services, or construction through competitive sealed bidding, competitive sealed proposals, or both.

Increases minimum wage to $11.00 per hour beginning 01/01/19, $12.00 per hour beginning 01/01/20, $13.00 per hour beginning 01/01/21, $14.00 per hour beginning 01/01/22, and $15.00 per hour beginning 01/01/2023. Requires DBEDT to conduct assessment on living wage in Hawaii and submit report to legislature on its findings by 01/01/2020.

Specifies that no property shall be forfeited unless the owner or interest-holder of the property has been convicted of a covered offense or indicted for a covered offense and there is a significant risk that the property will be destroyed or otherwise made unavailable, and the State has met its rebuttable presumption for forfeiture. Requires the State to show by clear and convincing evidence that a claimant's interest in the property is subject to forfeiture.

Establishes public disclosure requirements for video footage obtained by law enforcement body-worn or vehicle cameras.

Clarifies the allowable and prohibited practices requirements for dental assistants. Clarifies that rules shall not infringe upon, overlap with, or conflict with the duties and scope of practice for other licensed professionals. Prohibits persons from employing, directing, or ordering a dental assistant or other person to perform services or procedures within the scope of practice of dental hygiene. (SD1)

Ensures certain benefits under the federal Affordable Care Act are preserved under Hawaii law, including: preserving the individual health insurance mandate for taxpayers; preserving the premium tax credit for individuals and families with low or moderate income; requiring all health insurance entities, including health benefits plans under chapter 87A, HRS, to include ten essential health care benefits, plus additional contraception and breastfeeding coverage benefits; extending dependent coverage for adult children until the children turn twenty-six years of age; prohibiting health insurance entities from imposing a preexisting condition exclusion; prohibiting health insurance entities from using an individual's gender to determine premiums or contributions; and prohibiting health insurance entitles from discriminating with respect to participation against a health care provider acting within the scope of that provider's license or certification. Effective 7/1/2050. Individual mandate requirement repeals 6/30/2021. (SD2)

Prohibits the selling or offering for sale any fish or aquatic life taken under an aquarium fish permit subjected to substantial injury or cruel treatment.