Requires all places of public accommodation and public entity constructions constructed after 7/31/2026, to provide universal changing accommodations that are equally accessible regardless of gender.
Maddy summarySB 1138 requires health insurance companies to adjust their approval process for medical treatments to match Medicare's established standards. This directly affects health plan insurers by mandating they adopt Medicare's prior authorization rules, such as standardized review timelines and criteria. The key mechanism is aligning insurer procedures with Medicare’s existing framework, reducing inconsistencies in treatment approvals. This policy change aims to simplify access to care for patients covered by these insurers, though it does not alter Medicare itself.
Increases the general excise tax by 1%. Establishes the teacher salary special fund within the Department of Education. Requires that increased general excise tax revenues be deposited into the teacher salary special fund and the school facilities special fund.
Exempts housing developments that have obtained financing commitments from the State from the requirement to obtain approval from the applicable county council. (SD1)
Establishes a two-year pilot program that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, requires the Department of Education to provide free school lunch to all students enrolled at a department school. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Repeals on 6/30/2027.
Authorizes the Department of Health to allow any county to implement a Gray Water Recycling Program that permits certain small farms of less than ten square acres in size the ability to use gray water for the purposes of irrigation. (SD1)
Creates a statutory right of victims and witnesses of sexual offenses under part V of chapter 707, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to a speedy trial in criminal cases involving adult defendants. Requires the court and the prosecution to take appropriate action to ensure a prompt trial to minimize the length of time a child abuse victim or minor witness must endure the stress of the proceedings.
Prohibits the sale and use of disposable air filters beginning January 1, 2030. Requires the State to establish reusable air filters as the new standard.
Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to maximize the amount of housing built that utilizes loans from the Rental Housing Revolving Fund by prioritizing projects with the shortest projected loan repayment terms that produce the highest number of units, per dollar, per year. Repeals all other priorities and preferences for projects utilizing the RHRF.
Requires the Department of Agriculture to conduct a study on agricultural markets for Hawaii farmers. Appropriates funds for the one-year study on agricultural markets for Hawaii farmers. Establishes and funds two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) positions to collect agricultural data and conduct data analysis for public consumption. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
