Establishes a commercial drivers workforce working group within the Department of Transportation to address the workforce shortage of commercial drivers in the State. Requires a report to the Legislature. (CD1)
Establishes a harm to students registry, for all early learning programs or schools and K-12 educational institutions within the State, that contains information on school employees, contractors, or volunteers for whom, as result of an investigation, a final finding has been issued that the individual has inflicted harm on a student. (CD1)
Maddy summaryThis bill would allow the Hawaiʻi Labor Relations Board to accept and consider hearsay evidence during its proceedings. Hearsay refers to statements made by people who are not present in court, which are currently often excluded in legal settings. The change would directly affect labor disputes by giving the Board more flexibility in reviewing testimony and documents. This procedural update aims to streamline the evidence-gathering process for cases involving workers and employers.
Authorizes licensed dental hygienists to perform preventive dental sealant screenings and apply dental sealants on individuals, under certain conditions, in a school-based oral health program. (CD1)
Effective 1/1/2025, allows the Board of Nursing to issue temporary permits to out-of-state licensed registered nurses and practical nurses and nurses who hold a multistate license issued by another state, territory, or country, under certain circumstances. Beginning 7/1/2025, allows an out-of-state licensed practical nurse or registered nurse to apply for a temporary permit simultaneously with an application for a license to practice in the State. Excepts from license requirements nurses who are licensed in another state, territory, or country accompanying a patient from out-of-state for a period of less than two weeks and not employed or affiliated with a health care entity in the State. Takes effect 1/1/2025. (CD2)
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the creation of a Telehealth Working Group to study how the widespread use of remote healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic has affected safety, costs, and patient care in Hawaii. The group will consist of representatives from state agencies, insurance companies, medical associations, and healthcare providers to examine whether telehealth can be effectively integrated into standard medical practice. Members will analyze data on video and audio-only visits to identify policy changes needed at both state and federal levels to optimize future use. The working group is tasked with submitting a final report with findings and potential legislation recommendations to the Legislature by early 2025.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Governor's Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System to clearly define their official role and submit an annual report to the Legislature. The bill specifically requests data on community programs designed to divert individuals with mental health issues away from jail, including details on their capacity and reasons for any high failure rates. By urging the release of this information, the resolution aims to increase transparency regarding the state's progress and unmet needs in mental health services and jail diversion efforts.
Requires the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a study on how certain other states approach the following subjects as they relate to condominiums: an ombudsman, licenses for management, alternative dispute resolution, governmental regulation, owner education, and owner access to documents. Extends the deadline for the final report and the cease date for the Condominium Property Regime Task Force to 6/30/2026. Makes appropriations. (CD1)
Maddy summaryThis bill allows buyers and sellers of condominiums to exchange specific purchase documents via email instead of traditional paper methods. The measure directly affects real estate transactions involving condominiums by updating the rules for how these documents can be delivered. By permitting electronic communication, the legislation aims to streamline the purchasing process while maintaining the same legal requirements for document delivery.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the United States Geological Survey to update its 1992 lava-flow hazard map for Hawaii Island by conducting new topographical surveys, specifically within the highest-risk Zones 1 and 2. The bill requests that these updated assessments incorporate elevation differences to better reflect the specific risks to residential areas and infrastructure on the volcano's south flank. By requesting this data, the resolution aims to provide emergency management agencies and local residents with more accurate information regarding potential volcanic threats. The Senate will officially send a copy of this request to the USGS Director to initiate the review process.
