Sen. Samantha DeCorte

Provides that investigative powers of the Department of Human Services under the Child Protective Act include interviews of adults living in the family home and the alleged perpetrator in the; Requires DHS to record and save adult interviews conducted as part of an investigation of a report of harm, threatened harm, or imminent harm to a child and to include recorded adult interviews in any filed petition for removal.

Maddy summarySB 1594 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit state legislators in Hawaii to a maximum of 16 years of service in the Legislature. This would directly affect current and future members of the Hawaii House of Representatives and Senate. The bill would amend Article III, Section 4 of the state constitution to establish this term limit, requiring voter approval for implementation. If passed by the Legislature and approved by voters, it would change how long representatives can serve, but the bill is currently in early stages (introduced and passed first reading in January 2025).

Requires, beginning 7/1/2027, any carcinogenic food or product sold or distributed in the State to include a warning label, in a format determined by the Department of Health. Defines "carcinogenic" as a food, product, or chemical classified as group 1 or group 2A by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer. Appropriates moneys.

Specifies that the penalty for sex trafficking shall be payment of a fine of no less than $50,000 but no more than $100,000, and a definite term of imprisonment of up to 20 years without the possibility of a suspended sentence, probation, or parole. Provides that consent to sexual conduct is not a defense. Defines "sexual conduct". Provides that a minor who reports that the minor is a victim of sex trafficking shall not be subject to criminal liability.

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.

Requires the Department of Education to assign school resource officers to department public schools and charter schools. Encourages the employment of qualified retirees from the local police departments and department of law enforcement. Appropriates funds for these positions.

Authorizes state legislators to use state-owned or stateoperated equipment for bona fide community initiatives within their respective electoral districts.

Allows a person who has been convicted of 3 misdemeanors committed in Ewa Beach, Kapolei, or Waianae, to be sentenced to a term of geographic restriction during which the person is prohibited during certain hours from entering the specific area where the acts occurred. Mandates a sentence of imprisonment for 30 days for a violation of the geographic restriction.

Maddy summarySB 1241 creates a tax exemption for certain medical services, including dental care, by removing a general excise tax that would otherwise apply. This directly affects medical providers who offer these services, as they will no longer owe the tax on qualifying treatments. The bill establishes specific exemptions for services like dental care, reducing their tax burden under current law. It does not change patient costs but alters the tax obligation for healthcare providers offering these services.

Establishes the Hawaii Efficient Transitional Homes Commission to provide recommendations for the efficient, effective, and transparent management of transitional homes. Requires annual reports to the Legislature.