Sen. Brandon Elefante

Maddy summarySB 860 would increase criminal penalties for shoplifting offenses. If passed, it would raise the severity of punishments for individuals convicted of stealing merchandise from retail stores. The bill does not specify exact penalty levels but aims to make legal consequences stricter for this type of theft. It is currently pending in the legislature after being carried over to the 2026 Regular Session.

Establishes a pilot program in the Department of Health to provide intensive mobile treatment-type services, e.g., "street psychiatry", to chronically houseless adult individuals suffering from serious brain disorders like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Requires the State Highway Modernization and Safety Council to conduct a thorough evaluation of vehicle characteristics and develop a set of standards to identify high-risk vehicles. Requires a report to the Legislature.

Establishes an Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program to be administered by the University of Hawaii to provide financial support for early learning program service providers in the State to participate in state- or federally-approved early learning apprenticeship programs. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)

Beginning 1/1/2026, requires health insurers, mutual benefit societies, health maintenance organizations, and health plans under the State's Medicaid managed care program to provide coverage for biomarker testing.

Allows newly graduated high school students to be eligible for workers' compensation coverage during the summer following their high school graduation while participating in Department of Education-sponsored work-based learning programs.

Maddy summarySB 476 increases fines for specific fireworks-related violations, directly affecting individuals or businesses that break fireworks laws. The bill raises the monetary penalties for offenses like improper storage, sale, or use of fireworks, as defined in current law. It will take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed. The bill does not ban fireworks or change safety standards, only the financial consequences for violations.

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.

Establishes the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 6/30/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture to support the Hawaii Ant Lab in mitigating the effects of little fire ants in the State. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)