Sen. Brandon Elefante

Maddy summarySCR 4 is a procedural resolution requesting Hawaii's Auditor to assess the social and financial impacts of Senate Bill 46 (2025), which proposes requiring health insurance to cover annual mental health wellness examinations. The resolution directs the Auditor to analyze both the societal effects (e.g., access to care for mental health conditions) and financial implications (e.g., costs to insurers/policyholders) of this mandated coverage. It requires the Auditor to submit a report to the Legislature by January 2027, as mandated by Hawaii Revised Statutes §23-51 before such coverage can be enacted. This resolution does not change insurance requirements but seeks data to inform future legislative decisions on SB 46.

Provides annual salary step increases for public schools and public charter school teachers who have completed one year's satisfactory service and comply with specified requirements, if negotiated into a collective bargaining agreement pursuant to section 89-9, HRS, and subject to funds appropriated by the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Authorizes governmental bodies and public employees to procure project management services through non-governmental third-party contracts under certain conditions. Appropriates funds to establish a Special Project Branch within the Public Works Division of the Department of Accounting and General Services. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Prohibits the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Taxation, and Department of the Attorney General from appointing or employing certain former United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Border Patrol agents and employees as law enforcement officers. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Specifies that operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant while a highly intoxicated driver is a misdemeanor for a first offense, or any offense not preceded within a ten-year period. Specifies and imposes additional sentencing and probation requirements for a person convicted of a misdemeanor operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant offense. Upgrades the offense of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant while a highly intoxicated driver to a class C felony under certain conditions. Specifies and imposes additional sentencing and probation requirements for a class C felony offense of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant while a highly intoxicated driver. Prohibits a deferred acceptance of guilty plea for persons convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySB 2463 lowers the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) threshold for driving under the influence of intoxicants. It directly affects drivers operating vehicles who are impaired by alcohol or other intoxicants, making it easier for authorities to charge drivers with DUI at lower BAC levels. The key provision reduces the current legal limit for intoxication while driving, shifting the point at which impairment becomes a legal violation. This change would impact all drivers subject to DUI laws, potentially expanding the scope of enforceable offenses. The bill passed committee with amendments in early 2026.

Clarifies a driver's obligations at crosswalks. Requires drivers to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks. Strengthens penalties for traffic violations, particularly in school zones. Expands the offense of negligent injury in the second degree to include bodily injury to a vulnerable user by the operation of a vehicle in a negligent manner. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySB 2147 designates the first Friday in February each year as "Love My Library Day" in the state. This bill creates a symbolic annual observance to recognize public libraries and their role in communities. It does not establish new programs, funding, or legal requirements - only a designated day for awareness. The bill was introduced on January 14, 2026, and passed its first reading on January 21, 2026. As a commemorative resolution, it directly affects the public through symbolic recognition, not policy changes.

Establishes the offense of criminal property damage to critical infrastructure facilities as a class C felony. Expands the term "critical infrastructure" to include broadband, wireless, and cable networks. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySB 3264 authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to set the salary for an assistant administrator position. This procedural bill directly affects the Trust Fund's internal staffing structure by establishing compensation for one specific role. The bill does not create new benefits or policies but addresses administrative staffing details within the existing fund. It was introduced and passed first reading in January 2026 before being referred to committees.