Sen. Karl Rhoads

Authorizes the Hawaii State Energy Office to adopt certain federal regulations as they existed on 1/1/2025, that it deems to be in the public interest.

Maddy summarySB 44 allows counties to ban housing discrimination against renters based on their source of income, such as government benefits (e.g., Social Security, welfare). It directly affects renters who rely on non-traditional income sources, preventing landlords from refusing to rent to them solely because of how they earn money. The key mechanism gives counties the authority to enact local policies prohibiting this specific form of discrimination. This bill would change local housing rules to ensure fair access for renters using public assistance or other non-wage income.

Establishes the Agricultural Development and Food Security Special Fund. Requires a portion of the Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax to be deposited into the special fund. Appropriates funds for the Department of Agriculture in an amount equal to three per cent of the State Budget.

Establishes enhanced penalties for multiple violations of the same liquor law by licensees in a county with a population of 500,000 or more, under certain circumstances.

Maddy summarySB 638 requires most employers to provide employees with paid breaks during work shifts. It directly affects all covered employers and their employees in the state, mandating specific break periods as part of employment practices. The key provision is a straightforward requirement for employers to schedule and compensate these breaks, though the exact duration or frequency isn't detailed in the abstract. The bill is currently pending in committee review and has not yet become law.

Prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with the federal government for immigration purposes except for in limited, specific circumstances.

Maddy summarySB 114 establishes a presidential preference primary election in the state beginning June 1, 2026, for the 2028 presidential election cycle. This requires voters in the state to select their preferred presidential candidate in a formal primary election prior to the general election. The bill appropriates funds to implement and administer this new primary process. It will take effect on April 23, 2057, though the primary elections themselves start in 2026.

Authorizes school complexes to incorporate media literacy in their standards-based curriculum, including content that prevents negative impacts of misinformation, disinformation, digital discrimination, and online hate speech.

Requires property insurers to offer discounts on a condominium association's annual insurance premium if the association adopts specific risk mitigation upgrades or develops comprehensive disaster response plans. Requires property insurers of condominiums to base premium increases on actuarial justifications that reflect actual risk reduction resulting from upgraded fire safety improvements installed in conjunction with a building fire and life safety evaluation. Requires property insurers of condominiums to justify premium increases above ten per cent. Requires property insurers of condominiums to publicly report premium increases each year. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Amends the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to address carbon emissions. Incrementally increases the tax rate over time. Establishes a refundable tax credit to mitigate the effect of a carbon emissions tax on lower-income taxpayers. Establishes and appropriates moneys into the carbon emissions tax and dividend special fund. Reenacts the agricultural development and food security special fund. Requires reports to the Legislature.