Requires that the Hawaiian version of a law be held binding if the law in question was originally drafted in Hawaiian and meets certain criteria. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summarySB 299 allocates state funds to the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program, helping healthcare professionals repay student loans. It directly affects licensed healthcare workers (like nurses or doctors) who agree to work in underserved areas of the state. The bill provides financial assistance through the existing program, requiring participants to serve in designated high-need communities. The measure is currently under review by the Health and Human Services committee, with a public hearing scheduled for February 10, 2025. It is set to take effect on July 1, 3000.
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)
Establishes the Mixed-Income Subaccount within the Rental Housing Revolving Fund that targets workforce rental housing projects for persons and families with incomes at or below one hundred forty per cent of the area median income. Authorizes the Director of Finance to transfer funds from the Rental Housing Revolving Fund into the Mixed-Income Subaccount. Appropriates funds into and out of the Mixed-Income Subaccount of the Rental Housing Revolving Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes prohibitions on assault rifles, assault shotguns, and .50 caliber firearms. Expands the ban on high-capacity detachable magazines. Allows possession of an assault rifle, assault shotgun, or detachable magazine with a capacity greater than ten rounds when certain conditions are met. Effective 1/1/2026. (CD2)
Repeals the prohibition placed on certain employees exempt from Civil Service Law from grieving a suspension or discharge. Allows any employee who is a member of an appropriate bargaining unit to grieve a suspension or discharge. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Expands workers' compensation medical benefits for firefighters to include coverage for adenocarcinoma or mesothelioma of the respiratory system; cancer of the buccal cavity, colon, pharynx, and thyroid; and malignant melanoma. Specifies that an employer may prove that the cancer or disease was not associated with the firefighting duties to deny medical benefits under workers' compensation law. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Maddy summarySB 3250 designates March 5 of every year as "Liberty and Justice Day" for public observance. This ceremonial bill does not create new laws, affect specific groups, or alter government programs. It simply establishes an annual date for recognizing liberty and justice themes. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy impact beyond the designated observance.
Maddy summaryThis bill requests the State Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of a separate law that requires health insurance plans to cover biomarker testing for diagnosing and treating diseases. The assessment will examine how mandating coverage for this type of personalized medical testing affects patients, healthcare providers, and insurance costs. The Auditor must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session. This procedural measure ensures the mandated coverage requirement is reviewed before it takes effect, following state law requirements for such health insurance mandates.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the State Auditor of Hawaii to assess the social and financial impacts of mandating health insurance coverage for brief cognitive assessments for individuals aged 50 and older. The resolution is tied to House Bill 1702, which proposes requiring insurers to cover these assessments to help detect early signs of cognitive decline and dementia. The Auditor must prepare a report analyzing potential costs, benefits, and effects on different populations, particularly groups at higher risk such as Native Hawaiians and individuals with Down syndrome. The report must be submitted to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the start of the 2027 legislative session.
