Sen. Henry Aquino

Authorizes the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified persons who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySB 371 would create two new criminal offenses for damaging critical infrastructure facilities, such as power plants or water treatment centers. It directly affects individuals who cause property damage to these facilities by defining "first degree" (more severe) and "second degree" (less severe) offenses. The bill establishes specific legal penalties for these acts, though the exact punishments aren't detailed in the abstract. The bill is currently pending introduction (as of January 14, 2025) and has no effective date listed beyond the unusual "7/1/3000" noted in the abstract.

Maddy summarySB 1541 allocates state funds to cover bond payments and repair the tunnel for the Waiahole Water System. This directly affects the system's operators and customers by ensuring ongoing infrastructure maintenance and debt obligations are met. The bill specifies funding for two key purposes: paying off existing bonds and addressing tunnel repairs. It becomes effective on July 1, 3000, as stated in the official abstract.

Maddy summaryHawaii's Senate Resolution 158 requests Congress to call an Article V constitutional convention to propose specific amendments. The resolution asks for amendments focused on imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting federal power and jurisdiction, and establishing term limits for federal officials. It includes conditions that the convention must not consider changes to the Bill of Rights, states must vote one-per-state, and Congress can only perform a ministerial duty to set a time and place for the convention. This is a procedural resolution seeking Congress's action, not a law, and Hawaii states it will continue this application until two-thirds of states join the request.

Maddy summaryHawaii's SCR 140 is a state resolution urging Congress to call an Article V constitutional convention to propose specific amendments. It requests amendments focused on imposing fiscal limits on the federal government, reducing federal power and jurisdiction, and limiting terms for federal officials and Congress members. The resolution specifies strict conditions: the convention must exclude any changes to the Bill of Rights, states must vote one per state, Congress can only call the convention if 34 states apply, and Hawaii reserves the right to recall its delegates. This is a procedural request from Hawaii's legislature, not a direct policy change, seeking to initiate a process that requires broad state support to proceed.

Allows a retirant to be employed without reenrollment in the Employees' Retirement System and without loss or interruption of benefits if the retirant is employed in a position identified for succession planning purposes. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Clarifies that the Hawaii Labor Relations Board has the authority to enforce its own orders issued pursuant to state law governing collective bargaining in public employment, in addition to discretion to seek judicial enforcement of its orders under the Hawaii Employment Relations Act. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Human Services to adjust the minimum certification periods for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits households, participate in the Elderly Simplified Application Project, and report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySB 1043 reduces the sales tax rate on nonprescription drugs (over-the-counter medications) by half. This policy directly affects pharmacies selling these products and consumers who purchase them. The tax reduction will take effect on July 1, 3000. The bill passed committee recommendation with amendments on February 10, 2025.

Establishes within the Department of Agriculture a working group to review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)