Sen. Will Espero

Clarifies the allowable and prohibited practices requirements for dental assistants. Clarifies that rules shall not infringe upon, overlap with, or conflict with the duties and scope of practice for other licensed professionals. Prohibits persons from employing, directing, or ordering a dental assistant or other person to perform services or procedures within the scope of practice of dental hygiene. (SD1)

Requires the executive office on aging to establish the kupuna caregivers program, subject to available funds, to assist community members in obtaining care for elders while remaining in the workforce. Makes establishment of the kupuna care program mandatory, subject to available funds. Clarifies the kupuna service and support options provided by area agencies on aging within the kupuna care program. Appropriates funds for establishing and implementing the kupuna caregivers program. (SB534 HD1)

Prohibits campaign contributions from certain entities to members of the legislature during the legislative session, for five days following adjournment sine die, and during a special session. Prohibits a member of the legislature from knowingly soliciting or accepting a contribution from a lobbyist or a lobbyist's principal during a legislative session, for five days following adjournment sine die, and during a special session. Prohibits fundraisers for any member of the legislature to be held during any regular legislative session, for five calendar days after adjournment sine die, and during a special session. Takes effect on 1/1/2018.

Providing an annual inflationary adjustment in the methodology used to reimburse facilities for the long-term care of Medicaid recipients beginning with fiscal year 2017-2018. Appropriates funds to provide an inflationary adjustment to long-term care facilities' provider-specific prospective payment rates. (SB308 HD1)

Proposes a constitutional amendment to require the gubernatorial nominee of each political party following the primary election to appoint a person from the same political party as a running mate for lieutenant governor in the general election.

Imposes a restraining order that preserves the financial assets of the parties and their dependents upon the commencement of annulment, divorce, or separation court action.

Provides ranked choice method of voting for all partisan primary elections, special elections, and nonpartisan general elections held in this State on or after 1/1/2018.

Part II: Allows an individual who is seventeen years of age but will be eighteen years of age on or before the next state or local general election to register and vote at the state or local primary election immediately preceding that state or local general election. Takes effect upon ratification of an appropriate constitutional amendment. Part III: Provides that in the case of an unopposed candidate in any state or local election, the candidate's name shall appear on the general election ballot.

Continues the nursing facility sustainability program for two years. Appropriates funds out of the nursing facility sustainability program special fund for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. (SB285 HD1)

Requires an affidavit on application for voter registration to be included as part of the application for driver's licenses and civil identification cards. Prevents processing of application for driver's licenses or civil identification cards unless voter affidavit is complete or declined. Clarifies that applicant who does not want information electronically transmitted to office of elections must affirmatively decline to register to vote.