Sen. Joy San Buenaventura

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Health to coordinate the stockpiling of a three-year supply of mifepristone, a medication commonly used in medical abortions. The resolution is based on concerns about potential disruptions to the medication's supply chain and aims to ensure continued access to abortion care within the state. It directs the Department of Health to determine the appropriate quantities for this stockpile and requires sending a copy of the resolution to the state's health director. The measure does not mandate specific actions but serves as a formal recommendation to the health department regarding medication availability.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution nominates John D. Waiheʻe III for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit, a state honor established in 1993 to recognize individuals who have achieved national or international recognition and have made extraordinary contributions to Hawaii. The resolution cites his historic achievements as the first Native Hawaiian elected governor of any U.S. state, his leadership roles in national education and health policy, and his ongoing civic engagement as justification for the nomination. The bill directs the Senate to formally nominate him to the Aloha Order of Merit Committee and relevant state officials for consideration of induction.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Attorney General to review Hawaii state laws for outdated disability terminology, specifically terms like "impaired" that may carry negative connotations. The request focuses on identifying provisions that describe people with disabilities using language that could suggest they are defective or broken, and suggests replacing these terms with more respectful, modern alternatives such as "deaf or hard of hearing" and "low vision." The Attorney General will examine the Hawaii Revised Statutes to find relevant sections and recommend amendments that update the language without changing the legal effect of the laws. A report containing findings and proposed changes must be submitted to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Attorney General to review Hawaii state laws for outdated disability terminology, specifically targeting uses of the word "impaired" to describe people with disabilities. The resolution directs officials to identify provisions where such language may carry negative connotations and to propose updates that use more respectful, modern terms like "deaf or hard of hearing" instead of "hearing impaired." The Attorney General must submit findings and recommended amendments to the Legislature by early 2027, ensuring any changes comply with federal disability rights laws without altering legal effects. This measure affects state statutes and administrative language while aiming to promote dignity and inclusivity in how Hawaii's laws refer to individuals with disabilities.

Authorizes a registered pharmacist under contract with a covered entity for purposes of the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program to supervise the filling or receipt of a prescription via telehealth in certain circumstances. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySB 298 would allocate additional state funds to the Department of Human Services to expand Medicaid in-home care services. This directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries requiring in-home support, such as elderly or disabled individuals, by increasing access to these services. The bill's key provision is a funding increase for existing in-home care programs under Medicaid, effective July 1, 3000. It is currently pending committee review in the Health and Human Services committee.

Requires the Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Office of Wellness and Resilience, to design a five-year Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention Pilot Program to support families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at risk of reinvolvement with Child Welfare Services. Specifies that the Department of Human Services shall implement and administer the pilot program. Allows the Department to contract with public and private entities to provide necessary services. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires that the Hawaiian version of a law be held binding if the law in question was originally drafted in Hawaiian and meets certain criteria. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes the Future Career and Technical Education Teacher Scholarship Program to be administered by the Department of Education to facilitate the recruitment and retention of career and technical education teachers in Hawaii public schools. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summarySB 299 allocates state funds to the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program, helping healthcare professionals repay student loans. It directly affects licensed healthcare workers (like nurses or doctors) who agree to work in underserved areas of the state. The bill provides financial assistance through the existing program, requiring participants to serve in designated high-need communities. The measure is currently under review by the Health and Human Services committee, with a public hearing scheduled for February 10, 2025. It is set to take effect on July 1, 3000.