Sen. Kurt Fevella

Authorizes and decriminalizes the sale of raw milk, raw milk products, and raw milk dairy products directly from producers to consumers for human consumption, subject to certain restrictions. Authorizes the direct sale of raw goat milk for pet consumption. Establishes labeling requirements. Requires the Board of Agriculture and Department of Health to adopt rules no later than 7/1/2026.

Prohibits certain covered educational entities and Hawaii Health Systems Corporation facilities from collecting information regarding citizenship or immigration status or allowing officers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enter certain facilities, except under specific circumstances.

Maddy summarySB 638 requires most employers to provide employees with paid breaks during work shifts, directly affecting all covered workers in the state. The bill mandates that employers give employees a paid break of at least 15 minutes for every 4 hours worked, replacing current unpaid break practices for eligible employees. This policy change updates employment standards to ensure workers receive compensation during designated rest periods, applying to all covered workplaces without specifying industry exemptions. The bill is currently under review by the relevant legislative committee.

Replaces the five per cent bid preference for bidders for a public works contract with an estimated value of $250,000 or more, who is a party to an apprenticeship agreement registered with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations with a five per cent earned credit that can be applied to certain future public works contract bids for a duration of three years after the chief procurement officer issues the earned credit certificate. Authorizes purchasing agencies to audit and have full access to the books and records of contractors or subcontractors relating to the contractor's compliance with requirements of the earned credit bid preference. Requires contractors and subcontractors to maintain relevant records for three years. Requires the contractor to submit reports as required by the Chief Procurement Officer.

Implements a 4-phase plan for the Department of Health to address contamination of Ulehawa Stream. Requires the University of Hawaii to provide assistance. Appropriates moneys.

Maddy summarySB 1114 allows large landowners to request the Land Use Commission to permit building senior housing on parts of agricultural land currently restricted for such development. It directly affects landowners holding significant agricultural parcels and communities seeking more senior housing options. The bill creates a formal petition process where landowners ask the Commission to approve these specific developments, bypassing standard agricultural land use rules. This would enable new elderly housing projects on eligible agricultural sites, subject to Commission review.

Requires the Department of Education to establish a teacher loan forgiveness program to assist in the payment of loans for teachers who commit to teaching in the Hawaii public school system. Appropriates funds.

Maddy summarySB 760 allows rodeos to be held on land zoned for agricultural use, which previously may have been restricted. It directly affects ranchers, event organizers, and landowners in agricultural areas who host or operate rodeos. The bill removes restrictions preventing rodeo events on such land, enabling these activities without needing special permits. This is a straightforward policy change to clarify land use rules for existing agricultural operations.

Maddy summarySB 949 establishes a working group in Hawaii to evaluate whether the state's Land Court system should be reformed or eliminated. The bill directly affects Hawaii's Land Court, which handles property disputes and title matters. The key mechanism is creating this group to develop recommendations for legislative action, though the bill itself does not change court procedures or eliminate the court immediately. The working group will operate under the Hawaii Legislature, with no direct policy changes enacted by the bill. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 3 sentences as specified.)

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, requires the Department of Education to include the teaching of financial literacy in kindergarten through grade twelve. Requires students in grades nine through twelve to complete a one-half credit in financial literacy before graduation. Requires the Board of Education to provide professional development to teachers who are teaching financial literacy courses.