Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole

Requires each hospital licensed in the State to provide an annual attestation to the State Health Planning and Development Agency that the hospital is in compliance with federal hospital price transparency requirements. Permits patients to file a counterclaim against debt collection actions filed by hospitals to determine if the hospital is in compliance with federal hospital price transparency requirements. Requires hospitals to provide patients with an easy-to-understand itemized bill statement before initiating a debt collection action against a patient. Effective 1/30/2050. (HD1)

Beginning 1/1/2027, establishes mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material to reduce the spread of CRB within infested zones and to prevent spread into non-infested zones. Establishes penalties. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Division of Financial Institutions, beginning 1/1/2027, a digital asset charter program for licensing, regulating, and overseeing digital asset companies and digital asset business activities. Authorizes companies that participated in the Hawaii Digital Currency Innovation Lab to temporarily continue digital asset business activities without a charter in certain circumstances. Appropriates moneys from the compliance resolution fund. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Adds a minimum penalty and maximum penalty per violation of the State Water Code. Authorizes the Commission on Water Resource Management to consider each day that a violation exists or continues to exist a separate offense. Establishes factors the CWRM must consider when determining the amount of the penalty. Increases maximum fines every 5 years from 2031 to 2046. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Amends the Healthcare Preceptor Tax Credit to remove language limiting access only to those practicing in primary care, to add licensed dietitians, physician assistants, and social workers as eligible preceptors and students, and to include residency and followship programs. Adds the Director of Health and a representative of residency programs with eligible students to the Preceptor Credit Assurance Committee. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 2298 requires common interest communities (like homeowner associations) to include specific language on proxy forms about how owners can select representatives for meetings. This directly affects community members who use proxies to vote on behalf of their property. The bill mandates clearer disclosure of proxy selection options in the forms themselves, ensuring owners understand their choices. The bill is currently pending committee review after its January 2026 introduction.

Maddy summarySB 2952 requires certain insurance companies to notify policyholders at least 60 days before implementing any change to their insurance premiums, starting January 1, 2027. This applies directly to policyholders whose insurance rates are adjusted, giving them advance notice of increases or decreases. The key provision mandates that insurers provide this written notice 60 days prior to the effective date of the rate change. The bill does not alter premium amounts but ensures policyholders have sufficient time to review or plan for upcoming changes.

Establishes a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county public offices in the State, to begin with the 2028 general election year. Requires the Campaign Spending Commission to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)

Requires the Department of Education to report to the Legislature on the integration of certain content into existing social studies curricula at public schools. Establishes a one-year 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum pilot program within certain public high schools during the 2026-2027 school year. Requires reports to the Legislature. (SD1)

Allows voters in a primary or special primary election to vote for any candidate for any office without regard to the voter or candidate's political party preference. Advances the top two candidates in a primary or special primary election, regardless of political party, to the general election. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)