Appropriates funds for the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology within the University of Hawaii at Manoa to establish and operate a Center for Climate Resilient Development. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summarySB 1202 proposes changes to campaign finance regulations. This bill would allow candidates to use their campaign funds to cover costs associated with child care and care for vital household dependents. These funds could be utilized for such expenses under specific conditions.
Establishes an exemption from mediation in paternity proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Clarifies the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse. (HD1)
Maddy summarySB 299 proposes to appropriate funds for the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program. This bill is designed to provide financial assistance to healthcare professionals by helping them repay their education loans. The funding aims to support the healthcare workforce by making loan repayment programs available to eligible professionals.
Maddy summaryThis is a concurrent resolution (not a bill), passed by Hawaii's Senate and House, expressing support for Taiwan's international engagement. It endorses Taiwan's participation as an observer in four international organizations: the World Health Organization (WHO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The resolution also supports U.S.-Taiwan trade negotiations under the 21st Century Trade Initiative and commemorates Hawaii's 32-year sister-state relationship with Taiwan, including mutual cooperation in tourism, education, and disaster response (like Taiwan's $500,000 aid after the 2023 Maui wildfires). The resolution urges U.S. officials to advance these positions and is addressed to the President, Congress, and U.S. Secretary of State.
Maddy summarySB 298 proposes to appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services. These funds are specifically designated to increase financial support for Medicaid in-home services, directly affecting individuals who receive these services. The bill aims to enhance the resources available for in-home care through Medicaid. It is currently set to become effective on July 1, 3000.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 111) declares a public health emergency in Hawaii due to climate change impacts. It requests all state departments - including health, land, water, agriculture, and transportation - to coordinate cross-sector efforts to address climate-related health risks like heat illness, disease spread, food/water insecurity, and mental health stressors. The resolution directly affects all Hawaii residents by mandating statewide coordination to strengthen public health responses to climate threats. As a procedural resolution (not a binding law), it does not create new regulations but urges collaborative action across state agencies.
Maddy summarySCR 69 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the State Health Planning and Development Agency to convene a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Working Group. The group will evaluate policies to lower drug costs for patients and improve healthcare access, focusing on four key areas: which state agency should oversee PBMs, required reporting, fair pharmacy audit procedures, and protections against under-reimbursed medications. The working group will include representatives from insurance, pharmacy associations, state agencies, and pharmacy benefit managers. It must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026, but the resolution itself does not enact new laws.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 128) requests the Hawaii Attorney General to compile and provide a list of all state lands currently leased to the U.S. government or federal agencies. It also asks the Attorney General to assess whether current leases - particularly those at nominal rates like $1 per acre - violate state constitutional or legal requirements for land stewardship. The resolution does not change lease terms but seeks transparency and a legal review of federal land leasing practices. It is a procedural request focused on gathering information, not implementing new policy.
Maddy summarySCR 131 is a non-binding Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the State of Hawaii to acquire the historic Hawaii Theatre in downtown Honolulu. The resolution highlights the theatre's 100+ year role as a cultural hub (since 1922), its $30 million in prior state-funded renovations, and its importance to local arts, tourism, and downtown revitalization. It specifically requests the state work with arts organizations to develop a long-term operational plan for public use. As a resolution, it does not mandate action but formally recommends state ownership to preserve the theatre's cultural significance.
