Sen. Glenn Wakai

Requires veterinarians to provide a written prescription, upon the request of a client, for any animal patient of a client with whom the veterinarian has established an existing veterinarianclient-patient relationship. Allows pharmacies licensed in the State to dispense medications prescribed by veterinarians. Authorizes the Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine to establish penalties, which may include fines or suspension or revocation of a license.

Maddy summarySB 979 increases the amount of alcohol that small craft beverage producers can manufacture under Class 18 "small craft producer pub" licenses. This change directly affects small breweries and pubs that hold this specific license type, allowing them to produce more alcohol without needing a different license. The bill modifies current manufacturing limits for these license holders, enabling them to expand production within their existing operational structure. It does not change licensing fees, require new permits, or impact larger commercial producers.

Exempts disabled veterans from the State's vehicle weight tax and repeals the exemption for disabled veterans from the State's annual vehicle registration fee.

Establishes a standard for covered educational entities and certain health facilities when interacting with federal immigration authorities regarding civil immigration violations.

Amends the prohibition on certain assault weapons to include .50 caliber rifles and assault weapon attachments. Modernizes the prohibition on assault pistols to include pistols with one or more prohibited feature. Prohibits firearms other than pistols with a detachable magazine with over a twenty-round capacity. Prohibits persons from bringing or causing to be brought into the State a .50 caliber rifle or assault weapon attachment. Prohibits the sale or transfer of a .50 caliber rifle or assault weapon attachment in the State, unless the .50 caliber rifle or assault weapon attachment is sold or transferred to an authorized individual. Creates exceptions for the acquisition and possession of prohibited firearms for members of law enforcement and the military.

Beginning 1/1/2026, increases the tip credit to be twenty per cent of the minimum wage and requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to annually calculate an adjusted tip credit amount.

Appropriates funds for salaries and fringe benefits of positions for the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy's Space Science and Engineering Initiative Workforce Development Program, Maunakea Scholars Program, and Internship Program. Appropriates funds for office equipment and supplies, operational costs, and stipends for the Maunakea Scholars Program and Internship Program.

Maddy summarySB 978 amends the tax code by changing the definition of "draft beer" to include beer sold in individual containers of five gallons or more. This technical adjustment directly affects breweries and distributors who sell large-volume beer containers, as it clarifies which products fall under the "draft beer" tax category. The bill does not create new taxes or alter tax rates; it only modifies the definition used for tax classification purposes. This change ensures consistency in how large-container beer is treated under existing tax regulations.

Amends the motion picture, digital media, and film production income tax credit by requiring the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to publish on its website the names of the qualified productions and the amount of the tax credits certified per qualified production per filing year.

Prohibits the sale of flavored nicotine products and the mislabeling of e-liquids as nicotine free. Establishes penalties for violations. Authorizes the Department of Health to appoint, commission, or contract for services of inspectors. Establishes two full-time equivalent program specialist positions and one full-time equivalent hearing officer position. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/2026.