Sen. Tim Richards

Maddy summarySB 298 proposes to appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services. These funds are specifically designated to increase financial support for Medicaid in-home services, directly affecting individuals who receive these services. The bill aims to enhance the resources available for in-home care through Medicaid. It is currently set to become effective on July 1, 3000.

Allows an activity or operation that is permitted or authorized under the ocean recreation and coastal areas program chapter and renewed within twelve months preceding the initiation of proceedings to determine whether the activity or operation is subject to environmental review, to continue operation for one year while the appropriate agency makes the determination and conducts any necessary environmental review. Allows a person with oversight of the activity or operation to renew the appropriate permits while under the environmental review process. Sunsets 6/30/2027. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summarySCR 16 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Health to form a task force focused on developing minimum professional standards for community health worker (CHW) training programs. The task force must include representatives from each county's CHWs, health institutions (like the Hawaii Public Health Institute), housing authorities, healthcare associations, and community organizations. The resolution requires the task force to submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026, no later than 20 days before the 2026 legislative session begins. This bill directly affects CHW training programs across Hawaii by initiating a process to establish standardized training requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 111) declares a public health emergency in Hawaii due to climate change impacts. It requests all state departments - including health, land, water, agriculture, and transportation - to coordinate cross-sector efforts to address climate-related health risks like heat illness, disease spread, food/water insecurity, and mental health stressors. The resolution directly affects all Hawaii residents by mandating statewide coordination to strengthen public health responses to climate threats. As a procedural resolution (not a binding law), it does not create new regulations but urges collaborative action across state agencies.

Maddy summarySCR 69 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the State Health Planning and Development Agency to convene a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Working Group. The group will evaluate policies to lower drug costs for patients and improve healthcare access, focusing on four key areas: which state agency should oversee PBMs, required reporting, fair pharmacy audit procedures, and protections against under-reimbursed medications. The working group will include representatives from insurance, pharmacy associations, state agencies, and pharmacy benefit managers. It must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026, but the resolution itself does not enact new laws.

Maddy summarySCR 138 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the State Auditor to conduct a management and performance audit of the University of Hawaii's Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy. The audit will specifically examine Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education (workforce pipelines from pre-K to post-secondary), alignment of academic programs with state job demands, and transfer agreements between four-year universities and community colleges. It requires the Auditor to assess resource allocation, provide improvement recommendations, and submit findings to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not change policies but seeks to evaluate existing academic strategy operations for transparency and efficiency.

Amends the conditions and procedures of alternative dispute resolution methods for condominium-related disputes, including the use of evaluative mediation or binding arbitration. Effective 7/1/2050. (HD2)

Maddy summarySCR 143 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's state boards and commissions to conduct annual performance reviews of their Executive Directors or equivalent staff members (who are exempt from standard civil service hiring rules). It directs these entities to evaluate whether such leaders are meeting state goals and statutory requirements. The resolution does not create new laws but formally recommends this practice to improve accountability. It applies to all boards/commissions with exempt executive positions, as specified in Hawaii's governance structure.

Maddy summarySCR 65 is a non-binding Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the Hawaii Stadium Authority to finalize a contract for constructing the new Aloha Stadium and to advance work on the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED). It does not create new law but formally encourages the Authority to complete these steps, referencing the project's completion of environmental reviews and selection of a preferred developer. The resolution highlights the project’s planned features: a new 25,000-seat stadium, mixed-use development (housing, retail, hotels), and alignment with economic and community benefits. It emphasizes the project’s readiness for construction after years of planning, environmental studies, and community engagement. The resolution has no legal effect but serves as a legislative recommendation to accelerate the stadium and district development.

Maddy summarySCR 24 is a Hawaii legislative resolution urging the U.S. Department of Defense to maintain public references to the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team on its websites. The resolution was passed in response to the Pentagon removing these historical references in March 2025 as part of a federal review of content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It emphasizes preserving the history of these units - composed largely of Japanese American soldiers who served with distinction during WWII despite the internment of their families - to honor their contributions and prevent erasure of this significant historical memory.