Sen. Rachele Lamosao

Maddy summaryHB 177 makes civil identification cards (like state-issued IDs) free to issue or renew for residents, removing fees that previously applied. It directs state funds to cover these costs, ensuring the program is fully funded without requiring payments from cardholders. This directly affects all Hawaii residents who need or renew a civil ID card, including those who may face financial barriers to obtaining one. The bill becomes effective on June 30, 3000, as stated in the official abstract.

Requires the University of Hawaii System to collect, analyze, and publicly report certain graduate outcome data. Requires and appropriates funds for the development and maintenance of a graduate outcomes dashboard. Appropriates funds for positions within the University of Hawaii's Office of the Vice President of Academic Strategy. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 2615 requires public school districts to charge students at least one-quarter of the actual cost to prepare each school meal. This directly affects students and families who purchase meals at public schools, as it sets a minimum price floor for meal costs. The bill mandates that the Department of Education enforce this requirement, ensuring meal prices cover at least 25% of the preparation expenses. It establishes a concrete policy change in school meal pricing without altering eligibility or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 429 allocates state funds to hire teachers and teacher assistants and purchase equipment and services for public preschool programs. It directly affects public preschools by providing resources to improve staffing levels and facility capabilities. The bill becomes effective on July 1, 2050, after legislative approval. The measure passed committee with amendments in February 2025.

Establishes the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to alleviate food shortages in the State. Requires reports to the Legislature before the Regular Sessions of 2026 and 2027. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Requires the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to establish a permanent Return-to-Home Program to return homeless individuals in the State to families and relatives in their home states. Requires the Office to report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Appropriates funds to establish grant specialist positions to assist farmers and ranchers in meeting the requirements to receive grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes the Mixed-Income Subaccount within the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to prioritize development of workforce rental and for-sale housing projects for qualified residents. Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to adopt administrative rules. Appropriates moneys. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Establishes the Office of Gun Violence Prevention to conduct community outreach on gun violence prevention, develop and administer a grant program for gun violence prevention, and develop and administer a gun violence resource bank. Moves the Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission from the Office of the Attorney General to the Department of Law Enforcement. Replaces the Attorney General with the Director of Law Enforcement as Chair of the Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission and includes the Attorney General as a commission member. Establishes the Gun Violence Prevention Special Fund and appropriates funds into and out of the special fund. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD2)

Maddy summaryHB 596 clarifies which types of events qualify as disasters or emergencies under the state's emergency management system. It defines specific criteria for what constitutes a disaster or emergency, directly affecting emergency management agencies and their response protocols. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2050, and aims to provide clearer guidelines for declaring and managing emergencies.