Sen. Henry Aquino

Maddy summarySB 1223 requires the Department of Education to create a pilot program teaching water safety skills to public school students, funded through state appropriations. The program must be based on established safety standards and will operate in select schools during its pilot phase. This bill directly affects K-12 students in participating school districts by integrating water safety education into their curriculum. The key provision is the dedicated state funding to develop and implement this standards-based pilot program.

Maddy summarySB 1568 requires human services providers (such as childcare centers, home health agencies, and similar organizations) to pay workers the local prevailing wage rate for similar work. This means these providers must pay employees the standard pay rate common in their area for comparable jobs, not just the minimum wage. The bill, introduced on January 23, 2025, is currently pending referral to relevant committees for further review. It directly affects organizations delivering human services by mandating fair compensation aligned with regional labor standards.

Maddy summarySB 1566 creates the Hawaii Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, administered by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. The program provides a structured pathway for aspiring teachers to gain classroom experience while earning a salary, directly affecting new educators seeking certification. It establishes standards for apprenticeship placements, mentorship requirements, and oversight by the Board to ensure quality training. The bill also appropriates state funds to support the program's operation.

Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Hawaii Agricultural Transportation Assistance Program, to consist of a reimbursement program and grant program, to assist certain farmers and livestock producers with transportation costs for agricultural products, inputs, supplies, and production and distribution of agricultural commodities. Requires reports to the Legislature.

Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to work with the appropriate county board or department of water supply to provide access to potable and agricultural water on Hawaiian home lands; provided that any agreement between DHHL and that county board or department of water supply is made available to the public.

Establishes a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program to support teacher retention at public and charter schools classified as rural and underserved. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Specifies that the penalty for sex trafficking shall be payment of a fine of no less than $50,000 but no more than $100,000, and a definite term of imprisonment of up to 20 years without the possibility of a suspended sentence, probation, or parole. Provides that consent to sexual conduct is not a defense. Defines "sexual conduct". Provides that a minor who reports that the minor is a victim of sex trafficking shall not be subject to criminal liability.

Clarifies that the monthly needs allowance afforded to individuals living in certain long-term care facilities is not intended to replace or affect funds received as a state supplemental payment for domiciliary care and shall be supplemental to any funds provided to a recipient as a state supplemental payment for domiciliary care. Appropriates funds.

Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to mail beneficiaries of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, monthly accountability reports that contain certain information on leases and fiscal matters.

Beginning 7/1/2027, requires app store providers to determine the age category for each of their users in the State and verify their age; provide a mechanism for parents to block minors from downloading unsuitable apps; and obtain parental consent before allowing a minor to use their app store or download and purchase apps. Requires certain app store providers to provide parents with a mechanism to set filters and usage limits for minors. Requires certain app store providers to display age ratings and content description for each app available in their app store. Establishes age verification and parental consent requirements for certain app developers. Establishes violations as unfair or deceptive act or practice. Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to adopt rules no later than 7/1/2026.