Sen. Joy San Buenaventura

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 52) requests Hawaii counties to allocate a portion of general excise and fuel tax revenue toward maintaining privately-owned roads open to the public. It directly affects county governments and private road owners who currently bear full maintenance costs for roads used by the public - including emergency responders and school buses. The resolution proposes that counties authorize using a percentage of collected taxes to fund repairs, addressing the current burden on owners and improving public safety. It does not create new law but urges counties to adjust existing tax policies for these roads. The resolution is non-binding and aims to align county practices with public safety needs on shared private roadways.

Maddy summarySCR 113 is a ceremonial resolution requesting the Governor of Hawaii to issue a proclamation designating Hawaii as a "Purple Heart State" on August 7, 2025 (National Purple Heart Day). It does not create new laws or policies but formally asks the Governor to honor service members who have received the Purple Heart medal - awarded for injuries or deaths in military service. The resolution cites Hawaii's legislative intent to recognize these veterans, following the practice of other states. This is a symbolic gesture with no direct impact on state programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 94) requests the Governor issue a proclamation designating Hawaii as a "Purple Heart State" on August 7, 2025 - the date recognized as National Purple Heart Day. It is a ceremonial gesture honoring military service members who have received the Purple Heart medal for injuries or deaths in combat. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it solely asks the Governor to formally acknowledge this designation. The bill directly affects no individuals or programs, as it is a symbolic resolution without legal force.

Maddy summarySCR 45 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that strongly supports and recommends implementing the Revised 2025 Hawaii Patient Bill of Rights. It does not create new law but urges adoption of modernized patient protections addressing AI-driven insurance denials, data security, provider shortages, and access barriers - directly affecting Hawaii patients, healthcare insurers, and providers. The resolution emphasizes key provisions like clear coverage explanations, updated provider directories, streamlined specialist referrals, emergency care guarantees, and enhanced appeals processes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 28) recommends implementing Hawaii's Revised 2025 Patient Bill of Rights, which would modernize patient protections but is not a law itself. It directly affects Hawaii patients, healthcare providers, and insurers by requiring clearer coverage explanations in plain language, updated provider directories with telehealth details, timely specialist referrals, and stronger emergency care protections. Key mechanisms include mandating AI transparency in coverage decisions, simplifying appeals processes with online tools, and requiring insurers to report network adequacy data for rural/shortage areas. The resolution emphasizes patient autonomy and data security but does not create new legal requirements - it urges the state to adopt these reforms.

Part I: Renames the Department of Agriculture to the "Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity". Renames the Board of Agriculture to the "Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity" and amends the composition of the Board. Part II: Establishes and appropriates funds for a Deputy Director of Biosecurity. Part III: Changes references to the plant and animal declaration form to the "biosecurity form". Part IV: Authorizes and specifies conditions under which the Department may declare a biosecurity emergency, during which the Department and Governor may take certain actions to prevent the establishment or spread of pests and prohibited or restricted organisms. Authorizes the Chairperson of the Board to quarantine an area under certain conditions. Broadens the objectives and general actions of the Biosecurity Program. Part V: Requires the Department to establish and regularly update an invasive species dashboard. Authorizes pest management plans to address, contain, or eradicate pests. Part VI: Appropriates funds for positions for the Department. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Establishes the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to alleviate food shortages in the State. Requires reports to the Legislature prior to the Regular Sessions of 2026 and 2027. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Permits the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to enter into contracts with eligible employers or registered apprenticeship programs in the private sector to provide on-the-job training to eligible interns. Provides that the State shall be the responsible employer for purposes of workers' compensation coverage for students or recent graduates in the on-the-job-training work experience program, subject to certain limitations. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to establish an international teacher license for certain visa holders and the requirements to obtain the international teacher license. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

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)