Allows qualified psychologists limited authority to prescribe psychotropic medications to patients under the care of the psychologist in certain circumstances.
Prohibits the sale, importation, personal use, and commercial use of all fireworks, except consumer fireworks. Removes permitting requirements for consumer fireworks.
Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract its review of proposed state projects, projects on privately owned historic property, and projects affecting historic properties to third-party consultants if the Department is unable to complete its review within sixty days.
Maddy summarySB 860 increases penalties for shoplifting offenses. It directly affects individuals convicted of stealing merchandise from retail stores. The bill's key provision raises the severity of punishment for shoplifting, though specific penalty levels (like fines or jail time) aren't detailed in the abstract. This change aims to strengthen legal consequences for retail theft.
Appropriates funds to increase the funding for Medicaid in-home services, conditioned on the Department of Human Services obtaining the maximum federal matching funds.
Appropriates funds for salaries and fringe benefits of positions for the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy's Space Science and Engineering Initiative Workforce Development Program, Maunakea Scholars Program, and Internship Program. Appropriates funds for office equipment and supplies, operational costs, and stipends for the Maunakea Scholars Program and Internship Program.
Maddy summarySB 1021 bans the keeping or breeding of whales, dolphins, and porpoises (cetaceans) in captivity, except in specific circumstances outlined by the bill. This directly affects marine parks, aquariums, and facilities that currently house or breed these animals. The key provision prohibits most captive breeding and holding operations, though it allows exceptions for research, rescue, or other defined purposes. The bill represents a significant policy shift toward restricting cetacean captivity in the state.
Grants the Public Utilities Commission the ability to authorize preferential rates for the purchase of renewable energy from facilities that meet certain prevailing wage requirements. Requires public utilities to forward certain requests for preferential rates to the PUC for approval. Appropriates funds.
Maddy summarySB 837 authorizes school districts and transportation providers to use motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for student transportation, provided specific safety conditions are met. This bill directly affects school districts, bus operators, and students by expanding the types of vehicles permitted for school trips. Key provisions require that any vehicle used must comply with established safety standards, though the abstract does not detail the specific conditions. The bill aims to increase flexibility in student transportation options while maintaining safety requirements.
Establishes the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program within the Department of Human Services to assist qualifying households in paying their energy bills. Requires the Public Utilities Commission Public Benefits Fee Administrator to provide certain assistants to recipients of the program. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds.
