Sen. Sharon Moriwaki

Maddy summarySB 95 creates new fines for drivers operating vehicles or mopeds without a valid current inspection certificate. This directly affects anyone driving a car, truck, or moped that requires a safety inspection. The key provision increases penalties for this specific violation, adding additional fines beyond existing requirements. The bill does not change inspection requirements or vehicle safety standards, only the financial penalty for non-compliance. It is a straightforward policy change targeting a known enforcement gap in vehicle safety compliance.

Maddy summarySB 57 requires domestic and foreign corporations operating in the state to provide annual reports to their shareholders detailing all independent political expenditures and political contributions made by the corporation. This directly affects corporations that spend money on political activities, including advertising or donations to candidates or committees outside of direct campaign coordination. The key provision mandates that these reports include specific amounts, recipients, and purposes of each expenditure or contribution. The bill aims to increase transparency about corporate political spending by making this information accessible to shareholders, who are the owners of the corporation. (Note: The bill is pending introduction and has not yet been enacted.)

Maddy summarySB 878 extends the expiration date for Hawaii's State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna (elderly residents) from its original deadline to June 30, 2028. This bill directly affects low-income seniors who rely on the program for housing assistance. The key provision is simply extending the program's operational period without altering eligibility, funding, or benefit levels. The change ensures continued support for vulnerable elderly residents without requiring new legislative action.

Requires Liquor Commissions or Boards to deny any renewal for a liquor license if the applicant for renewal has violated any provision of the Intoxicating Liquor Law under chapter 281, Hawaii Revised Statutes, on three separate occasions during the twelve-month period preceding the renewal application date.

Clarifies that the prohibition against board and commission holdover members from holding office beyond the end of the second regular legislative session following the expiration of the member's term of office takes precedence over any conflicting statutes.

Raises the minimum age to enter into marriage from sixteen to eighteen years of age. Repeals the authority of parents and the family court to consent to a minor's marriage. Repeals spousal cohabitation after the parties attain legal age as an exception for an annulment based on nonage. Makes conforming amendments.

Makes an application for voter registration part of the enrollment applications or course registration process for Department of Education high schools. Requires eligible student applicants to be given the choice to be registered to vote. Requires updating of names and addresses of eligible student applicants who are already registered to vote unless the applicant declines. Requires the sharing of certain information among the counties, Department of Education, election personnel, and online voter registration system.

Expands eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to include any individual or household whose monthly income is equal to or less than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level. Appropriates funds.

Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses for persons who require rescue after leaving a hiking trail to enter an area closed to the public or hiking on a trail closed to the public, and there is a sign giving notice of the closure.

Requires the Department of Education to administer a general dyslexia screening to all students in kindergarten through grade three. Requires the Department of Education to continue to administer the general English language arts universal screening for students in kindergarten through grade nine. Requires the Department of Education to collaborate with teacher training programs to ensure prospective candidates are trained on literacy instruction, including evidence-based intervention, to support all students. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)