Sen. Carol Fukunaga

Maddy summarySB 638 requires most employers to provide employees with paid breaks during work shifts, directly affecting all covered workers in the state. The bill mandates that employers give employees a paid break of at least 15 minutes for every 4 hours worked, replacing current unpaid break practices for eligible employees. This policy change updates employment standards to ensure workers receive compensation during designated rest periods, applying to all covered workplaces without specifying industry exemptions. The bill is currently under review by the relevant legislative committee.

Effective 7/1/2027, establishes the Environmental Stewardship Fee Program within the Department of Land and Natural Resources, through which the Department will collect a fee from visitors for a license to visit a state park, forest, hiking trail, or other state natural area. Establishes the Environmental Stewardship Fee Special Fund effective 7/1/2025. Allocates a certain amount of transient accommodations tax revenues to the special fund. Requires report to the Legislature on strategic plan and timetable for objectives and implementation of the environmental stewardship fee program. Appropriates funds for the environmental stewardship fee strategic plan and positions for the Environmental Stewardship Fee Program.

Maddy summarySB 760 allows rodeos to be held on land zoned for agricultural use, which previously may have been restricted. It directly affects ranchers, event organizers, and landowners in agricultural areas who host or operate rodeos. The bill removes restrictions preventing rodeo events on such land, enabling these activities without needing special permits. This is a straightforward policy change to clarify land use rules for existing agricultural operations.

Prohibits the construction, modification, or expansion of any waste or disposal facility on land that is near or above a significant aquifer as determined by the Department of Health. Reduces the required buffer zone around waste or disposal facilities.

Authorizes and appropriates moneys for the Board of Psychology to grant prescriptive authority to clinical psychologists who meet specific education, training, and registration requirements. Requires the Board of Psychology to accept applications for prescriptive authority privilege beginning 7/1/2026. Requires the Board of Psychology to report to the Legislature.

Establishes and appropriates funds for student transportation coordinators positions within the Department of Education to strengthen student transportation services across the State.

Amends the membership of the Hawaii Community Development Authority to include the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission or the Chairperson's designee.

Prohibits the sale, importation, personal use, and commercial use of all fireworks, except consumer fireworks. Removes permitting requirements for consumer fireworks.

Requires veterinarians to provide a written prescription, upon the request of a client, for any animal patient of a client with whom the veterinarian has established an existing veterinarianclient-patient relationship. Allows pharmacies licensed in the State to dispense medications prescribed by veterinarians. Authorizes the Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine to establish penalties, which may include fines or suspension or revocation of a license.

Requires Medicaid and private insurance coverage of ambulance services and community paramedicine services rendered statewide by emergency medical technicians or paramedics. Appropriates funds.