Sen. Lynn DeCoite

Requires the Procurement Policy Board to adopt rules requiring contracts to impose mandatory fines or provide for termination of a contract for default if a contractor fails to perform the contractor's duties or if there is a major delay in a deliverable. Requires each contract to establish a schedule of deliverables and to specify what constitutes a "major delay".

Requires the Department of Health to establish and implement a program to improve and increase support for emergency medical services in the State. Requires the Department of Health to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Beginning 1/1/2026, requires all health insurers in the State, excluding Medicaid managed care programs, to cover the cost of continuous glucose monitors and related supplies under certain conditions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Maddy summarySB 1620 exempts natural hair braiders from state licensing requirements when operating under specific conditions. The bill directly affects individuals who provide natural hair braiding services, such as cornrows or locs, by removing a barrier to entry for this service. Key provisions establish that braiders meeting defined criteria - like completing training or adhering to hygiene standards - will not need a state license to practice. This change aims to reduce regulatory hurdles for braiders while maintaining safety standards. The bill passed committee recommendation on February 7, 2025.

Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses for persons who require rescue after leaving a hiking trail to enter an area closed to the public or hiking on a trail closed to the public, and there is a sign giving notice of the closure.

Requires the Department of Education to administer a general dyslexia screening to all students in kindergarten through grade three. Requires the Department of Education to continue to administer the general English language arts universal screening for students in kindergarten through grade nine. Requires the Department of Education to collaborate with teacher training programs to ensure prospective candidates are trained on literacy instruction, including evidence-based intervention, to support all students. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Permits the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to enter into contracts with eligible employers or registered apprenticeship programs in the private sector to provide on-the-job training to eligible interns. Provides that the State shall be the responsible employer for purposes of workers' compensation coverage for students or recent graduates in the on-the-job-training work experience program, subject to certain limitations. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Extends the State's energy-efficiency portfolio standards from 2030 to 2045 and updates the standards. Authorizes the public utilities commission to adjust the 2045 and interim standards.

Maddy summarySB 1143 requires the Hawaiian Tourism Authority (HTA) to submit an annual updated tourism functional plan, subject to available funding. This procedural bill directly affects the HTA by establishing a recurring reporting requirement. It does not create new policies or alter tourism programs but mandates the HTA to periodically update its strategic planning document. The bill remains in committee referral status and has not advanced to a vote.

Authorizes periods of imprisonment for individuals with previous arson convictions. Authorizes additional penalties for arson crimes that endanger vulnerable areas. Requires restitution for victims of arson who experienced property damage. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)