Sen. Rachele Lamosao

Establishes the Health Information Technology Infrastructure Grant Program within the Department of Health, to be administered by the State Health Planning and Development Agency, to support health information technology infrastructure and the implementation of interoperable health information technologies in federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program centers, and Native Hawaiian health centers. Appropriates funds for the grant program. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 596 clarifies the specific types of events that qualify as disasters or emergencies under the state's emergency management system. It directly affects emergency management agencies and local governments by defining the scope of events triggering emergency protocols. The bill establishes clear criteria for what constitutes a disaster or emergency, replacing vague terms with specific examples. It takes effect on July 1, 2050.

Authorizes the Department of Education to subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student enrolled in a 4-year college campus of the University of Hawaii System with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a State-Approved Teacher Education Program under certain conditions. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD2)

Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to assist small businesses, including those related to the tourism sector, with technology enablement. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 429 appropriates state funds to hire teachers and teacher assistants, and to purchase equipment and services for public preschool programs. It directly affects public preschools by providing resources to expand staffing and facilities. The bill's key provision is the allocation of dedicated funding, which will become available starting July 1, 2050. This legislation focuses on increasing early learning capacity through financial support, without changing existing program rules.

Provides that violent felons that are in violation of the prohibition against owning, possessing, or controlling a firearm or ammunition are subject to a mandatory prison term. (HD1)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to designate Kunia, Leilehua Plateau, and Poamoho as the Central Oahu Agricultural Corridor. It directs the department to create a prioritized list of agricultural infrastructure projects (like roads and water systems) based on factors such as projected production increases, costs, county plans, and land use. The resolution requires the department to submit a report with this list and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026. It directly affects state agencies and farmers in the designated corridor area by guiding future infrastructure investments to support Hawaii's goal of doubling local food production by 2030.

Maddy summaryHR 51 is a House Resolution (not a bill) requesting Hawaii's Judiciary to form a working group to study how effectively current laws protect victims of domestic violence and stalking. The working group, including police departments, prosecutors, victim advocacy groups, and victims from each county, will analyze temporary restraining orders, protective orders, and harassment by stalking cases. It will examine enforcement, compliance, victim outcomes, and law enforcement responses, with a report due to the Legislature by 2027. This resolution does not change existing laws but aims to identify potential improvements based on data and stakeholder input.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding House Resolution encourages the University of Hawaii to evaluate and expand its student mental health services. It specifically asks the university to hire additional mental health professionals and support staff, extend counseling hours, improve crisis response, and adopt proactive outreach initiatives. The resolution also requests the university provide periodic updates to the legislature on its progress. It does not mandate changes or allocate funding, serving only as a recommendation to address growing student mental health needs.

Maddy summaryHCR 86 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Education to establish an "Aloha Civics Working Group" to enhance civics education in public schools. The group, requiring specific members including the Superintendent of Education, university representatives, legislative staff, community organizations, and public members, must assess current civics programs, identify ways to integrate the Aloha Spirit's principles (kindness, unity, humility), develop teaching strategies, recommend educator training, and propose evaluation metrics. The group must submit its final report to the Legislature and Department of Education by January 2026, ahead of the next legislative session. This resolution directly affects Hawaii's public school curriculum and educator training by seeking to incorporate cultural values into civic learning.