Sen. Angus McKelvey

Maddy summarySB 979 would increase the production capacity limits for small craft breweries and pubs holding Class 18 liquor licenses. This change directly affects small businesses operating under this specific license type, allowing them to manufacture more alcohol within their current facility. The bill modifies the existing manufacturing cap without altering other licensing requirements or fees. It represents a targeted adjustment to support expansion for these smaller licensed establishments.

Maddy summarySB 1053 would create a refundable child tax credit for families with children in the state. This credit would directly benefit low- and middle-income households with dependent children, providing them with financial support they can receive even if they owe no state income tax. The bill specifies the credit would apply to tax years starting after December 31, 2025, meaning it would take effect for 2026 tax filings. It establishes a concrete policy change by guaranteeing a direct cash payment to eligible families based on the number of qualifying children.

Establishes ratemaking regulations for insurers who base their rates on a policyholder or applicant's wildfire risk. Amends the definition of "prospective loss costs" to incorporate catastrophe modeling instead of historical aggregate losses. Prohibits insurers from basing certain insurance rates on past loss experience within or outside the State. Requires insurers to provide a list of items that may be covered under a homeowners insurance policy issued or renewed on or after 1/1/2026, as additional living expenses when a claim for additional living expenses is made. If a loss relating to a state of emergency occurs, requires coverage for additional living expenses for a period of not less than 24 months from the loss, subject to other policy provisions. Requires that coverage for additional living expenses not limit a policyholder's right to recovery if the insured home is made uninhabitable by a covered peril and allows an insurer to provide a reasonable alternative remedy that addresses the property condition that precludes reasonable habitation of the insured premises. Requires additional living expenses coverage for at least 2 weeks for certain losses incurred if a state of emergency is accompanied by an order of civil authority restricting access to the home. Beginning on 1/1/2026, requires each newly issued or renewed homeowners insurance policy that covers a property within the State to provide for the replacement cost value of the insured property. Amends the determination of over insurance under section 431:l0E-102, HRS.

Requires the Board of Agriculture to define the terms "bona fide farmer" and "bona fide agricultural activity". Requires a report to the Legislature. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 377 would remove the general excise tax from medical services provided by healthcare facilities and professionals. This change directly affects hospitals, clinics, doctors, and their patients by eliminating a tax on services like check-ups, treatments, and hospital care. The bill's key provision is a straightforward tax exemption, meaning healthcare providers would no longer collect or remit this tax on qualifying medical services. The policy aims to reduce costs associated with healthcare delivery without altering other tax structures.

Establishes the Combined Housing Operational Agriculture Mobilization Program to assist bona fide farmers to live and farm on agricultural lands. For taxable years beginning 1/1/2026, establishes a tax credit for land donated to the Program. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Makes it an unfair or deceptive act or practice for businesses to: offer, display, or advertise the price of live-ticket events or short-term lodging without clearly and conspicuously disclosing the total price; and misrepresent any fees or charges in any offer, display, or advertisement for the sale of live-event tickets or short-term lodging. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Establishes that if a state legislative vacancy occurs due to the death or permanent incapacitation of the prior incumbent before a primary election, but after the close of filing for that election, and the prior incumbent was the only person whose name appeared on any ballot for that seat for that election, the Governor's appointment of a replacement shall be valid for both the unexpired term and the next succeeding term. Effective 1/1/2525. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 1254 prohibits current employees of the University of Hawaii and the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii from serving on the University's Board of Regents. This bill directly affects active staff at these institutions by preventing them from holding governing board positions. The key provision is a clear ban on current employees serving on the Board of Regents, aiming to separate operational staff from the board's oversight role. The bill focuses on the structural relationship between university employees and the governing body, without altering other board functions or responsibilities.

Establishes an inter-division program within the Department of Land and Natural Resources consisting of certain agencies to address the location, movement, and restoration of Hawaiian burial sites or ‘iwi, exposed or likely to be exposed by coastal erosion. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)