Establishes a refundable Family Caregiver Tax Credit for nonpaid family caregivers. Requires the Department of Taxation to report to the Legislature before the convening of each Regular Session.
Expands the time period within which a county legislative body must approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove housing projects the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation develops or assists under a government assistance program from forty-five days to ninety days.
Maddy summarySB 650 would upgrade the crime of financial exploitation by a caregiver against a vulnerable adult to a Class A felony, the most serious felony level. It directly affects caregivers (such as family members or paid providers) who misuse funds or assets of vulnerable adults, typically elderly or disabled individuals requiring care. The key provision changes the legal penalty from a lower-level offense to the highest felony category, increasing potential sentencing. This bill aims to strengthen legal consequences for financial abuse in care settings without altering other aspects of vulnerable adult protection laws.
Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to achieve full funding status, including estimated payment increases, of Medicaid home- and community-based services.
Maddy summarySB 967 requires Medicaid and private health insurance plans to cover intravenous ketamine therapy for treating depression. This directly affects people with depression who may seek this treatment but currently face coverage barriers. The bill appropriates state funds to support this coverage requirement, ensuring insurers must pay for the therapy. The legislation is currently in committee referral after passing its first reading.
Maddy summarySB 1056 limits how much and how often landlords can raise rent for residential properties within a one-year period. It directly affects residential landlords and tenants by restricting annual rent increases to a specific percentage or frequency. The bill establishes a clear cap on the total rent hike allowed over 12 months, preventing frequent or excessive increases. This policy aims to provide greater housing stability and predictability for renters while setting clear boundaries for landlords' pricing practices.
Authorizes each county director of finance to waive, for up to one year, certain abandoned vehicle tow, storage, and other charges, fees, and fines owed to the county.
Establishes a temporary Medi-Medi Project within the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program administered by the Executive Office on Aging to assist older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits. Requires the Executive Office on Aging to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
Requires the immediate towing of any parked motor vehicle that is not properly registered, does not display a valid safety inspection sticker, or is parked in violation of any state traffic law.
Establishes a procedure for the Board of Land and Natural Resources to lease fast lands and submerged lands that were destroyed by an event triggering a Presidential Disaster Declaration.
