Sen. Karl Rhoads

Defines "isolated wetlands" and "wetlands". Clarifies the definition of "state waters" to include wetlands and isolated wetlands. Requires the Director of Health to determine all wetlands in the State, including whether a wetland is an isolated wetland or is included in the waters of the United States. Prohibit persons from discharging any water pollutant into or at any location that enters state waters.

Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, requires each public school in the State, including charter schools, to employ, or retain under contract, at least 1 mental health professional for every 250 students enrolled, subject to certain conditions. Requires the Department of Education to submit a progress report to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026. Appropriates moneys for the Department of Education to contract for mental health professionals and to establish an unspecified number of fulltime equivalent mental health professional positions within the Department of Education. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded.

Maddy summarySB 54 adopts an Interstate Compact aimed at phasing out corporate welfare programs across participating states. It directly affects businesses receiving state subsidies or tax incentives by establishing a coordinated process to eliminate these programs. The bill creates a framework for states to collaborate on ending corporate welfare, though specific implementation details are not outlined in the provided abstract. As a procedural bill, it is currently pending introduction (January 8, 2025).

Allocates ten per cent of conveyance tax collections to the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund. Removes the annual cap on conveyance taxes paid into the Rental Housing Revolving Fund.

Maddy summarySB 57 requires all domestic and foreign corporations operating in the state to provide annual reports to their shareholders detailing independent political expenditures (such as ads not coordinated with candidates) and direct political contributions. This applies to every corporation subject to state jurisdiction, directly affecting shareholders who receive these disclosures. The key mechanism mandates that corporations compile and distribute specific financial data on political spending each year, ensuring transparency about corporate involvement in elections. The bill focuses solely on disclosure requirements, with no provisions altering campaign finance rules or candidate regulations.

Authorizes the Department of Law Enforcement to establish traffic cameras and issue a citation by mail for certain violations of traffic-related laws. Establishes that intentional destruction or damage to a traffic camera is a class C felony.

Provides that the Liquor Commission or other licensing agency of each county shall deny the renewal of certain current liquor licenses upon receipt of sufficient protests.

Repeals staff of the legislative branch of the State from the list of individuals not included in any appropriate bargaining unit. Specifies that the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each have one vote if they have employees in a particular bargaining unit for the purposes of negotiating a collective bargaining agreement.

Requires the Department of Accounting and General Services to establish and operate a Child Care Center Pilot Program on Oahu for eligible children of state employees, one in or near the state capitol and one in Kapolei. Appropriates funds. Repeals on 6/30/2030.

Maddy summarySB 44 would allow counties to ban housing discrimination against renters based on their income source, such as housing vouchers, public benefits, or disability payments. This directly affects renters who rely on non-wage income by preventing landlords from refusing them solely because of how they pay rent. Counties would gain the authority to create and enforce their own local rules against this practice. The bill enables local governments to address housing access barriers without requiring state-level legislative action.