Prohibits the sale of geolocation information and internet browser information without consent. Prohibits the sale of data collected through eavesdropping or through an application operating in the background of a device that uses the device's microphone.
Maddy summarySB 1497 establishes a Rare Disease Advisory Council within the state Department of Health. The council will advise the state on the needs of people living with rare diseases, directly affecting this patient community. Its key mechanism is creating a formal process for rare disease patients and advocates to provide input on state health policies. The bill does not allocate funding or change existing programs but aims to improve how the state addresses rare disease challenges through structured patient feedback.
Maddy summarySB 1196 establishes a fee on ridesharing companies (like Uber or Lyft) operating in the state. The fee revenue will be deposited directly into the Safe Routes to School Program Special Fund. This fund supports projects that improve safety for children walking or biking to school, such as crosswalks and bike lanes. The bill does not change existing transportation rules but creates a new funding source for school safety initiatives.
Establishes a Journalistic Ethics Commission within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Establishes a Journalistic Code of Ethics. Requires news media outlets to provide training in the ethics of journalism to journalists and editors in their employ. Establishes a Journalistic Ethics Review Board to be administratively attached to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Requires the Journalistic Ethics Review Board to handle complaints and appeals regarding violations of the Journalistic Code of Ethics. Requires the Journalistic Ethics Commission to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Establishes penalties for violations. Requires the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii to conduct an analysis of the journalism program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Social Sciences. Requires the Board of Regents to report to the Legislature.
Requires retirants rehired as teachers or administrators in teacher shortage areas or in difficult-to-fill positions to be paid at least the minimum salary for their experience and qualifications. Prohibits rehired retirants from receiving additional employment benefits. Directs the Department of Education to adopt rules to identify teacher shortage areas and difficult-to-fill positions.
Establishes within the Office of the State Fire Marshal the Office of the State Search and Rescue Coordinator. Provides for the authority and duties of the State Search and Rescue Coordinator. Establishes the search and rescue special fund. Appropriates moneys.
Requires all health care providers who accept Medicare to provide a cognitive assessment as part of the Medicare Part B annual wellness visit for Medicare beneficiaries sixty-five years of age or older, with certain exceptions. Requires health care providers to submit certain information to the Executive Office on Aging and the Executive Office on Aging to report de-identified aggregated data to the Legislature on an annual basis. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/2026.
Authorizes the Commission on Water Resource Management, as a condition for issuing permits, to require the use of dual line water supply systems in new residential and mixed-use developments located in designated water management areas. Authorizes those residential and mixed-use developments to be included in irrigation projects, as defined in chapter 167, HRS. Authorizes the Board of Agriculture to investigate and survey the availability of nonpotable water. Requires the Department of Health, Board of Agriculture, and the counties to update their rules, ordinances, to allow dual line water supply systems in residential and mixed-use developments.
Maddy summarySB 143 authorizes the state to issue special license plates commemorating the island of Kahoolawe. This bill directly affects vehicle owners who may choose to purchase these commemorative plates. It is a procedural bill with no complex mechanisms, simply enabling the creation of these plates to honor Kahoolawe.
Mandates reimbursement for services provided by participating registered pharmacists practicing within their scope of practice by private and public health plans in the State after 7/1/2026.
