Sen. Tim Richards

Establishes a working group within the Office of the Governor for administrative purposes to ascertain the State's available water resources and water system source capacity and to streamline well permit approval processes to further plan for the development of affordable housing. Requires the working group to inventory all available water resources statewide and identify sources of aquifer replenishment in relation to affordable housing development. Requires an interim and final report to the Legislature. (SD2)

Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish a Healthy Soils Program. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Auditor to conduct a financial audit of each charter school under the State Public Charter School Commission. Requires a report to the Legislature. Requires the State Public Charter School Commission to take action based on the Auditor's recommendations. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Maddy summarySCR 52 is a non-binding Senate Concurrent Resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Education (DOE) and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) to jointly develop a high school training program for a Youth Civil Defense Corps. The resolution proposes creating a curriculum to train high school students in emergency response skills, enabling them to participate in the State Emergency Response Team Program during disasters. It does not create new laws or funding but requests DOE and HI-EMA to collaborate on implementing this student-focused emergency preparedness initiative. The resolution directly affects high school students and state emergency management coordination.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 102) urges Hawaii's Department of Health and the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center to incentivize wastewater treatment plants to test sewage sludge, reclaimed water, and other residuals for PFAS ("forever chemicals"). It does not create new law but requests these agencies take action to require testing and develop rules for safe disposal of PFAS-contaminated materials. The resolution specifically addresses materials used in agriculture (like sludge as fertilizer) where PFAS could enter the food chain, citing potential health risks. It also urges prohibiting land use for agriculture if PFAS is detected in these materials. The resolution focuses on voluntary incentives and guidance, not mandatory enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 83) urges Hawaii's Department of Health and the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center to take action encouraging wastewater treatment plants to test sewage sludge, reclaimed water, and other byproducts for PFAS (forever chemicals). It specifically recommends the Department of Health adopt rules for safely disposing of PFAS-containing materials and prohibit agricultural use of such materials if testing detects PFAS. The resolution addresses health and environmental risks linked to PFAS exposure, including cancer and ecosystem harm, but does not create new laws or mandates. As a non-binding resolution, it serves as a formal request for these entities to prioritize PFAS testing and management.

Proposes an amendment to article I of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii to protect a person's right to obtain contraceptives and engage in contraception. (SD1)

Maddy summarySCR 29 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the State Auditor assess the social and financial effects of mandatory health insurance coverage for biomarker testing. It directly affects patients with conditions like cancer, Alzheimer's, or heart disease who rely on biomarker tests for diagnosis and treatment. The resolution asks for a new assessment because, despite prior reports finding no impacts (as insurers claimed existing coverage already met requirements), patients still face delays or denials of coverage for these tests. The Auditor will evaluate how mandatory coverage would affect access, costs, and outcomes for patients seeking medically necessary biomarker testing.

Requires sellers or providers of emotional support animals, as well as those issuing verifications of a disability related need for an emotional support animal, to provide written notice to the buyer or recipient containing certain information. Requires persons or businesses that sell or provide certificates, vests, or identification tags that identify an animal as an emotional support animal to provide written notice to the buyer or recipient containing certain information. Establishes penalties. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySCR 19 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Education to make public school recreational facilities (like pools, gyms, and fields) available to the public during non-peak hours and non-school days. It directly affects residents, particularly in low-income and rural communities who face barriers to accessing recreational amenities. The resolution builds on existing rules requiring school facility access but seeks to expand it to unrestricted use during specified times, moving beyond the current requirement for a 10-day online application. This aims to address documented inequities in recreational access, as noted in the resolution's supporting statements.