Authorizes individuals who possess a commercial driver's license with a passenger "P" endorsement to provide pupil transportation student services without also possessing a school bus "S" endorsement in certain circumstances.
Establishes a criminal penalty and monetary fines for aquarium fishing violations. Clarifies that each fish or aquatic life specimen taken in violation of certain fishing laws regarding aquarium fish and the possession and use of prohibited explosives, electrofishing devices, and poisonous substances constitutes a separate offense.
Requires all riders of a high-speed electric bicycle who are under 18 years of age or in a restraining seat or trailer towed by the bicycle to wear a safety helmet. Requires licensure of high-speed electric bicycle operators. Defines "high-speed electric bicycle."
Maddy summarySB 1199 would allow school districts and transportation providers to use motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for student transportation, instead of only standard school buses, if specific safety and operational conditions are met. This bill directly affects public schools, school transportation contractors, and state education agencies responsible for approving vehicle use. Key provisions require these alternative vehicles to comply with state safety standards and operational guidelines before being used for student transport. The bill is currently pending in committee review and has not yet become law.
Requires the State to prioritize the installation of photo red light imaging detector systems in school zones if the State establishes a photo red light imaging detector system. Requires proceeds of fines collected for disregarding a steady red signal pursuant to a photo red light imaging detector system installed in a school zone to be deposited into the Safe Routes to School Program Special Fund.
Establishes a Journalistic Ethics Commission within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Establishes a Journalistic Code of Ethics. Requires news media outlets to provide training in the ethics of journalism to journalists and editors in their employ. Establishes a Journalistic Ethics Review Board to be administratively attached to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Requires the Journalistic Ethics Review Board to handle complaints and appeals regarding violations of the Journalistic Code of Ethics. Requires the Journalistic Ethics Commission to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Establishes penalties for violations. Requires the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii to conduct an analysis of the journalism program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Social Sciences. Requires the Board of Regents to report to the Legislature.
Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to conduct a statewide environmental assessment for, and subsequently administer, a Geothermal Resources Characterization Program under the direction of the Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center at the University of Hawaii. Appropriates funds.
Maddy summarySB 1145 (Relating to Bicycles) requires all bike owners to pay an annual registration fee. This bill directly affects individuals who own bicycles within the jurisdiction. The key provision is the annual fee, which would need to be paid yearly by bike owners. The bill is currently in early stages (introduced January 2025, passed first reading), with no further action taken as of the latest update.
Transfers the jurisdiction of the Motor Carrier Law from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation. Transfers the jurisdiction of the Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation. Makes conforming amendments. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2027.
Requires the Department of Transportation or appropriate county department when disposing of a deceased cat or dog from a public roadway to scan the animal for a microchip, record certain information, and report that information to the appropriate county animal services or animal service contractors. Appropriates funds.
