Sen. Angus McKelvey

Prohibit sellers of foreclosed homes from bundling properties at a public sale and requires each foreclosed home to be sold separately. Specifies that the sale of a foreclosed property is not final until either fifteen days after the public sale or forty-five days if an eligible bidder submits a subsequent bid or written notice of intent to submit a subsequent bid.

Appropriates funds for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to install one hundred monitoring wells to collect data and map the migration of the Red Hill contamination plume.

Clarifies and strengthens the State's protections against sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, and retaliation that occur in public schools, public charter schools, or at the University of Hawaii, including discrimination based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and pregnancy-related conditions. Establishes procedures for investigations and decision-making. Requires mandatory reporting by certain employees.

Maddy summarySB 1138 requires health plan insurers to use the same prior authorization approval rules for medical treatments as Medicare does. This directly affects health insurance companies that offer plans covering prescription drugs, hospital care, or specialist visits. The key mechanism is mandating that insurers align their internal processes with Medicare’s established standards for approving treatments. The bill aims to simplify and standardize approval requirements for patients seeking covered care, though it does not change Medicare’s own policies.

Establishes the Hawaii Farm to Food Bank Program and Hawaii Food Assistance Program Special Fund to alleviate food shortages in the State. Appropriates funds into and out of the Hawaii Food Assistance Program Special Fund.

Maddy summarySB 758 establishes a State Archives Relocation Task Force to evaluate and recommend a new location for the state archives building. The bill does not create new laws or directly affect residents, but directs the task force to make findings on suitable facilities. It is currently in early legislative stages (introduced January 17, passed first reading January 21). This procedural bill focuses solely on creating a process for relocating the archives, with no policy changes or funding impacts specified.

Maddy summarySB 837 authorizes school districts and transportation providers to use motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for student transportation, provided specific safety conditions are met. This bill directly affects school districts, bus operators, and students by expanding the types of vehicles permitted for school trips. Key provisions require that any vehicle used must comply with established safety standards, though the abstract does not detail the specific conditions. The bill aims to increase flexibility in student transportation options while maintaining safety requirements.

Allows the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract or form a partnership with private parties to assist with the maintenance and management of sunscreen dispensers at all state beaches, as well as publicize that the mineral-based sunscreen in these dispensers is more protective of the coral reefs of the State. Appropriates funds for the installation, maintenance, management, and operation of non-chemical sunscreen dispensers on all state beaches.

Maddy summarySB 1053 establishes a refundable child tax credit for families with children, directly affecting taxpayers filing returns for taxable years starting after December 31, 2025. The credit reduces tax liability and can provide a cash payment even if no tax is owed. It applies to families meeting specific criteria (not detailed in the abstract) and is structured as a refundable benefit. The bill is currently in committee referral after its first reading, with no further legislative actions yet.

Establishes a definition of "low alcohol by volume spirits beverage". Beginning 7/1/2025, establishes a tax on low alcohol by volume spirits beverages at a rate of $1.10 per wine gallon. Takes effect 6/30/2025.