Establishes a regulatory framework specifically for pet insurance based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Pet Insurance Model Act.
Establishes a refundable Family Caregiver Tax Credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to report to the Legislature before the convening of each Regular Session.
Expands the time period within which a county legislative body must approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove housing projects the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation develops or assists under a government assistance program from forty-five days to ninety days.
Requires the Department of Health to establish and implement a program to improve and increase support for emergency medical services in the State. Requires the Department of Health to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to achieve full funding status, including estimated payment increases, of Medicaid home- and community-based services.
Maddy summarySB 638 requires most employers to provide employees with paid breaks during work shifts, directly affecting all covered workers in the state. The bill mandates that employers give employees a paid break of at least 15 minutes for every 4 hours worked, replacing current unpaid break practices for eligible employees. This policy change updates employment standards to ensure workers receive compensation during designated rest periods, applying to all covered workplaces without specifying industry exemptions. The bill is currently under review by the relevant legislative committee.
Replaces the five per cent bid preference for bidders for a public works contract with an estimated value of $250,000 or more, who is a party to an apprenticeship agreement registered with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations with a five per cent earned credit that can be applied to certain future public works contract bids for a duration of three years after the chief procurement officer issues the earned credit certificate. Authorizes purchasing agencies to audit and have full access to the books and records of contractors or subcontractors relating to the contractor's compliance with requirements of the earned credit bid preference. Requires contractors and subcontractors to maintain relevant records for three years. Requires the contractor to submit reports as required by the Chief Procurement Officer.
Implements a 4-phase plan for the Department of Health to address contamination of Ulehawa Stream. Requires the University of Hawaii to provide assistance. Appropriates moneys.
Maddy summarySB 949 establishes a working group in Hawaii to evaluate whether the state's Land Court system should be reformed or eliminated. The bill directly affects Hawaii's Land Court, which handles property disputes and title matters. The key mechanism is creating this group to develop recommendations for legislative action, though the bill itself does not change court procedures or eliminate the court immediately. The working group will operate under the Hawaii Legislature, with no direct policy changes enacted by the bill. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 3 sentences as specified.)
Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, requires the Department of Education to include the teaching of financial literacy in kindergarten through grade twelve. Requires students in grades nine through twelve to complete a one-half credit in financial literacy before graduation. Requires the Board of Education to provide professional development to teachers who are teaching financial literacy courses.
