Sen. Clarence K. Nishihara

Establishes a private cause of action for persons injured by the deprivation of rights under the United States Constitution or the Hawaii Constitution by law enforcement officers. Requires that employers of law enforcement officers indemnify officers for judgments or settlements arising from that cause of action over a certain amount. Requires political subdivisions of the State who employ law enforcement officers to publicly disclose a list of officers against whom a judgment or settlement is entered as well as the amount of the judgment or settlement and any disciplinary actions or criminal charges brought against the officer.

Specifies that the scope of practice for licensed physical therapists to include the practice of dry needling. Requires the board of physical therapists to certify qualified licensed physical therapists to perform dry needling after 1/1/2022, and designate requirements to perform dry needling. Allows the board of physical therapists to revoke or suspend a physical therapist's license for performing dry needling incorrectly, without proper training or certification, or in a manner that would likely harm a patient.

Requires the Insurance Commissioner to set the maximum wholesale prices of common prescription drugs based upon Canadian price regulations. Prohibits drug makers and distributors from removing prescription drugs from Hawaii markets. Prohibits various health plans and pharmacies from purchasing prescription drugs in excess of the maximum wholesale price.

Makes the exemption from the behavior analyst licensing requirements permanent for certain teachers working in collaboration with a licensed behavior analyst or licensed psychologist. Clarifies that the licensure exemption for registered behavior technicians applies to those working under the direction of a licensed behavior analyst or licensed psychologist. Exempts licensed special education teachers and individuals in approved and accredited special education training programs who are working toward licensure as special education teachers whose scope of practice and training includes applied behavior analysis.

Clarifies the definition of the practice of medicine to provide uniformity of practice between both medical physicians and osteopathic physicians.

Establishes that knowingly or intentionally providing false information concerning the name or address of a person paying for a campaign advertisement is a class C felony. Repeals certain exemptions from criminal prosecution for campaign finance violations. Repeals certain state of mind prerequisites with respect to the campaign spending commission's referral of complaints for criminal prosecution. Increases from four years to ten years the period from which a person convicted for a criminal violation of campaign finance law shall be disqualified from holding elective office. Establishes that the exercise of enforcement authority by the attorney general or prosecuting attorney may be the basis for prosecution of campaign finance law violations.

Requires commercial helicopter owners and operators to submit reports to the Department of Transportation about basic helicopter flight information. Requires the Department of Transportation to post reports regarding helicopters to its website.

Requires the department of agriculture to allow for the permitted importation of northern largemouth bass into Hawaii.

Grants tuition waivers to University of Hawaii community college students who meet certain criteria.

Includes tips or gratuities paid directly to an individual by a customer of the employer and reported or declared to the employer under the definition of income used to calculate payments of child or spousal support.