Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 29) requests the Hawaii State Auditor to conduct a management and financial audit of Medicaid health care insurance contractors - managed care organizations providing Medicaid services - on a biennial basis. It directly affects these contractors, the Auditor, and state agencies overseeing Medicaid, requiring them to cooperate with the audits. The resolution specifies that audits must assess financial integrity, compliance with laws, and contractor operations, with the first audit due within six months of July 1, 2025. The Auditor must submit findings to the Governor, Legislature, and Human Services Director by 2027, and every two years thereafter. This is a procedural request, not a binding law, aiming to address past issues like overpayments and improve Medicaid program oversight.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySCR 52 is a non-binding Senate Concurrent Resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Education (DOE) and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) to jointly develop a high school training program for a Youth Civil Defense Corps. The resolution proposes creating a curriculum to train high school students in emergency response skills, enabling them to participate in the State Emergency Response Team Program during disasters. It does not create new laws or funding but requests DOE and HI-EMA to collaborate on implementing this student-focused emergency preparedness initiative. The resolution directly affects high school students and state emergency management coordination.
Maddy summarySB 878 extends the expiration date of Hawaii's State Rent Supplement Program for Kupuna (elderly residents) from its current deadline to June 30, 2028. This bill directly affects low-income seniors who rely on the program to afford housing by ensuring continued funding availability. The key provision is simply delaying the program's sunset date, maintaining current housing assistance without altering eligibility or benefit amounts. The measure passed committee recommendation with four supportive votes in February 2025.
Maddy summarySB 1620 exempts natural hair braiders from state licensing requirements under specific conditions. This bill directly affects individuals who braid hair using natural textures, such as cornrows or braids, by removing a barrier to practicing their trade without a license. The key provision is a targeted exemption from licensing rules, though the exact conditions for exemption aren't detailed in the provided context. The bill passed committee recommendation on February 7, 2025, with no opposing votes. It focuses on simplifying regulatory requirements for this specific service.
Maddy summarySCR 25 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the State Health Planning and Development Agency and Department of Health to hold public meetings for all certificate of need applications involving proposed special treatment facilities in neighborhoods with community associations. It does not create new law but asks the agency to require public input during the review process for these specific healthcare facility proposals. The resolution also requests the agency adopt rules requiring applicants to appear before neighborhood boards as part of their application. This applies only to facilities seeking approval under the administrative review process (typically smaller projects), not the standard review process which already includes public meetings.
Maddy summarySB 1559 allocates funds to the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program for dune restoration work at Hanakaoo Beach Park. The bill directly affects the University of Hawaii Sea Grant program and the local community by providing dedicated funding for coastal restoration efforts at this specific park location. It specifies that the funds will be used for dune restoration activities, with the measure becoming effective on July 31, 2050. This is a funding bill focused on a single, defined project, not a broader policy change.
Maddy summarySR 15 is a Senate Resolution requesting the State Health Planning and Development Agency and Department of Health to hold public meetings for all certificate of need applications involving proposed special treatment facilities (like mental health centers) in neighborhoods with community associations. Currently, smaller applications under administrative review skip public meetings unless requested, but this resolution seeks to require them for all such facilities in areas with community groups. It also asks the agencies to adopt rules requiring applicants to appear before neighborhood boards during the application process. This is a procedural request, not a new law, aimed at increasing community input into healthcare facility approvals.
Maddy summarySCR 27 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Auditor to audit the Department of Education's capital improvement project finances. It specifically asks for an examination of how the Department spends funds on school repairs and renovations since 2021, including project prioritization. The audit aims to assess fiscal accountability for the $2 billion in unspent capital funds as of January 2024. The Auditor must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by October 2025. This procedural resolution does not create new law but seeks greater transparency in how school facility funds are managed.
Authorizes periods of imprisonment for individuals with previous arson convictions. Authorizes additional penalties for arson crimes that endanger vulnerable areas. Requires restitution for victims of arson who experienced property damage. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)
Requires each purchasing agency to provide justification for hiring external consultants. Caps the amount each agency can spend on external consultants. Requires each agency to seek approval from the Legislature for consulting contracts exceeding a certain dollar amount. Requires each agency to disclose new contracts with external consultants. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Requires the Compliance Audit Unit to conduct regular audits of agency consultant contracts to assess cost-effectiveness and compliance. Requires each chief procurement officer to ensure that inherent government functions are not delegated to a contractor. Effective 1/1/2491. (SD2)