Sen. Karl Rhoads

Maddy summarySB 1056 restricts annual rent increases for residential landlords by capping the maximum percentage increase allowed within a 12-month period and limiting how frequently rent can be raised. This bill directly affects residential tenants and landlords in the state by imposing these specific limits on rent hikes. Key provisions include setting a defined annual cap on rent increases and restricting the number of times a landlord may raise rent within a year. The bill is currently pending in the legislative process, having been carried over to the 2026 Regular Session.

Requires suppliers of water in the State to adjust the level of fluoride in its public water system in conformance with a standard published by the Board of Water Supply of each county until the issuance of a proclamation by the Governor declaring the date on which all residents of the State have either obtained or affirmatively rejected dental insurance coverage and provide a certified copy to the Revisor of Statutes. Requires the Department of Health to provide suppliers of water with technical assistance and training and submit annual status reports to the Legislature regarding the public water systems' status of compliance with the fluoride adjustment requirement. Allows the Department of Health to reimburse suppliers of water for necessary expenses incurred for compliance. Requires the Department of Health to monitor dental insurance coverage of the State's residents, submit annual status reports to the Legislature, and upon confirmation that all residents of the State have either obtained or affirmatively rejected dental insurance coverage, submit a written verification to the Governor. Requires the Governor to issue a proclamation. Appropriates funds.

Establishes a working group for legal services for youth in the child welfare system within the Judiciary. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds for the working group. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture for permanent positions in agricultural biosecurity established by Act 231, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024, and various biosecurity programs. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Expands the prohibition of class 11 cabaret licenses to premises within apartment mixed use subprecincts of special districts and special improvement districts.

Requires the counties to upgrade to zero emission buses by 2045. Requires the state agencies to prioritize zero emission buses in the procurement policy for purchasing or leasing motor vehicles. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes a Spay and Neuter Special Fund. Allows funds from an income tax check-off to be deposited into the Spay and Neuter Special Fund. Establishes the Spay and Neuter Special Fund Advisory Committee to establish eligibility criteria and disbursement procedures from the Special Fund. Appropriates funds.

Establishes short-term management initiatives for the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Program. Establishes standards for the usage of grants awarded pursuant to the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Program. Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii for activities and positions related to coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation control. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)

Requires the Department of Education to offer training for teachers, educational officers, and school-based behavioral health specialists on sex trafficking prevention and response.

Maddy summarySB 397 removes an existing exemption that allowed the State of [State], its local governments (like cities and counties), and the United States government to operate without following the state's child labor law. This means government agencies and federal entities working within the state would now be directly subject to the same rules restricting child labor as private businesses. The bill does not create new restrictions but ensures government entities comply with the existing law governing work hours, safety, and age limits for minors. It is currently pending in committee for the 2026 session.