Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract its review of proposed state projects, projects on privately owned historic property, and projects affecting historic properties to third-party consultants if the Department is unable to complete its review within sixty days.
Permanently increases the state earned income tax credit to fifty per cent of the federal earned income tax credit. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2024.
Maddy summarySB 860 increases penalties for shoplifting offenses. It directly affects individuals convicted of stealing merchandise from retail stores. The bill's key provision raises the severity of punishment for shoplifting, though specific penalty levels (like fines or jail time) aren't detailed in the abstract. This change aims to strengthen legal consequences for retail theft.
Allows tenants who prevail in a lawsuit for a violation of the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code to be awarded damages, reasonable attorney's fees, and costs of the suit.
Maddy summarySB 1027 permits dogs in restaurants at the discretion of the owner or manager, subject to specific conditions. This bill directly affects restaurants (by changing their pet policy options) and dog owners (who may bring pets under the new rules). Key provisions require restaurants to allow dogs only if the owner or manager chooses to permit them, though the abstract does not specify the exact conditions. The bill is currently in early legislative stages, having been introduced on January 17, 2025, and passed its first reading on January 21. It does not mandate dog access but provides a framework for restaurants to decide on a case-by-case basis.
Appropriates funds to increase the funding for Medicaid in-home services, conditioned on the Department of Human Services obtaining the maximum federal matching funds.
Establishes additional requirements to revoke or make changes relating to agents under powers of attorney of principals diagnosed with cognitive deficits. Requires submittals to the Adult Protective and Community Service Branch of the Department of Human Services. Requires the Branch to issue a notice of receipt to the principal and any person initiating the change. Establishes a mandatory waiting period before any proposed change takes effect. Establishes an expedited process for a court order granting an emergency change to a power of attorney.
Appropriates funds for salaries and fringe benefits of positions for the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy's Space Science and Engineering Initiative Workforce Development Program, Maunakea Scholars Program, and Internship Program. Appropriates funds for office equipment and supplies, operational costs, and stipends for the Maunakea Scholars Program and Internship Program.
Maddy summarySB 978 amends the tax code by changing the definition of "draft beer" to include beer sold in individual containers of five gallons or more. This technical adjustment directly affects breweries and distributors who sell large-volume beer containers, as it clarifies which products fall under the "draft beer" tax category. The bill does not create new taxes or alter tax rates; it only modifies the definition used for tax classification purposes. This change ensures consistency in how large-container beer is treated under existing tax regulations.
Requires certain landlords to provide a specified notice to a tenant regarding the tenant's potential right to purchase the property, under certain conditions. Allows tenants, families, local governments, affordable housing nonprofits, and community land trusts forty-five days to match or beat the best bona fide offer to buy an eligible affordable housing property.
