Sen. Joy San Buenaventura

Establishes unspecified deadlines for the governor to appoint, and for political parties to nominate, individuals to fill certain state senatorial vacancies. Provides that if the Governor fails to appoint an individual to fill a state legislative vacancy by an applicable statutory deadline, the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall make the appointment within an unspecified number of calendar days after the deadline.

Clarifies that the monthly needs allowance afforded to individuals living in certain long-term care facilities is not intended to replace or affect funds received as a state supplemental payment for domiciliary care and shall be supplemental to any funds provided to a recipient as a state supplemental payment for domiciliary care.

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)

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds to the Department of Health for construction defect remediation at the Hawaii State Hospital. Establishes one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) building manager position at the Hawaii State Hospital. Appropriates funds.

Establishes a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county public offices in the State of Hawaii, to begin with the 2028 general election year. Requires the Campaign Spending Commission to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)

Requires sellers or providers of emotional support animals, as well as those issuing verifications of a disability related need for an emotional support animal, to provide written notice to the buyer or recipient containing certain information. Requires persons or businesses that sell or provide certificates, vests, or identification tags that identify an animal as an emotional support animal to provide written notice to the buyer or recipient containing certain information. Establishes penalties. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Requires Huli Au Ola to conduct a study on physician and dentist recruitment and retention to serve the island of Molokai. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)

Provides that if a law enforcement officer lawfully stops a motor vehicle and the operator is cited for driving without a valid license, the officer shall not permit the operator to resume the use of the motor vehicle. Requires the motor vehicle to be moved by a licensed driver or towed at the owner's expense. Provides that the cited operator is responsible for arranging the operator's transportation from the scene of the stop. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Requires health insurance policies and contracts issued on or after 1/1/2026 to provide optional coverage for the cost of hearing aids at a minimum $1,500 per hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every thirty-six months. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Requires the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to include in its plan of operation insurance coverage for commercial properties twice denied by private insurers. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)