Sen. Lynn DeCoite

Maddy summarySB 119 appropriates state funds to establish a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at the University of Hawaii Maui College. This program would directly benefit students seeking nursing careers by creating a new academic pathway at the Maui campus. The bill provides the necessary funding to develop and operate the program, covering program creation and operational costs.

Maddy summarySB 292 creates legal protection for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical care or contact law enforcement. It shields them from being prosecuted for minor offenses like drug possession or prostitution that occurred during their exploitation. This applies specifically when survivors access services through official channels to report or receive care. The bill is currently under committee review, with a public hearing scheduled for February 6, 2025.

Requires one voting member of the Early Learning Board to have experience as a local provider of early childhood education and development services. Adds the Director of the Hawaii Head Start State Collaboration Office as an ex officio, nonvoting member to the Early Learning Board. Requires the Early Learning Board to invite the President of the Head Start Association of Hawaii, or their designee, to serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the Board. (CD1)

Maddy summarySB 330 authorizes the state Department of Agriculture to enforce federal quarantine orders related to invasive species. This would directly affect businesses or individuals handling plants, animals, or goods that could spread harmful invasive species, such as agricultural shipments or pet trade imports. The bill provides the state agency with the authority to implement existing federal quarantine requirements, without creating new quarantine rules. It focuses on ensuring compliance with federal standards to prevent the introduction or spread of invasive species through regulated pathways.

Requires the Department of Human Resources Development to complete a comprehensive review of the classification and compensation systems for all civil service positions under its jurisdiction by 10/31/2026. Allows the Department to contract with a third party, in accordance with the Hawaii Public Procurement Code, to assist with the timely completion of the review. Requires reports to the Legislature. (CD1)

Expands the types of electronic devices subject to the Electronic Device Recycling and Recovery Act to include electronic device peripherals and certain legacy devices. Excludes manufacturers of only electronic device peripherals and no other electronic devices. Allows, rather than requires, the Department of Health to determine additional penalties. Requires manufacturers' recycling plans to describe communication efforts with the State and counties to facilitate consumer education efforts. Repeals the requirement that recycling plans be implemented and fully operational by 1/1/2023 in order for manufacturer collaboration authority to apply. Establishes additional manufacturer recycling goals beginning on 1/1/2026 and 1/1/2027. Requires additional information to be included in manufacturers' reports containing information for calendar years 2025, 2026, and 2027. Requires collectors to report certain information regarding recyclers and refurbishers and allows the Department of Health to require submission of bills of lading and recycler receiving reports. Requires a report to the Legislature. (CD1)

Exempts all positions filled by the Hawaii Tourism Authority within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism from the state civil service law. Amends the definition of "convention center facility" for purposes of chapter 201B, HRS, to clarify that the facilities must reflect a Hawaii sense of place. Designates the Hawaii Tourism Authority Board of Directors (Board) as an advisory board. Removes the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism as a member of the Board. Requires a member of the Board to represent a tourism-impacted entity. Provides that the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives each appoints a member of the Board. Makes the President and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority a position appointed by the Board, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the President and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority to report to the Governor. Amends the eligibility requirements to serve on the Board. Provides that the President and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority's length of term of service shall be set by written contract by the Board. (CD1)

Increases the penalties imposed on individuals convicted for violations of temporary restraining orders and orders for protection. Clarifies that the court shall not sentence a defendant to pay a fine for violating a domestic abuse protective order if the court makes an on-the-record determination that the defendant is or will be unable to pay the fine. Specifies that any conviction for violation of a temporary restraining order issued under the same judicial case number as an order for protection shall be treated as a prior violation of an order for protection. Clarifies when the court may suspend certain jail sentences for violations of domestic abuse protective orders. (HD2)

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a policy bill) authorizing the Senate President to complete administrative tasks after the 2025 legislative session adjourned. It permits the Senate to spend remaining funds, hire temporary staff, approve journals, convene committees, and handle other necessary work until January 21, 2026. The resolution does not affect any citizens or create new laws - it solely addresses internal Senate operations to wrap up post-adjournment business. The Vice President is also authorized to carry out specific delegated duties under Senate rules.

Maddy summarySR 217 is a procedural resolution informing the House of Representatives and Governor that the Hawaii Senate is ready to end its 2025 legislative session without setting a date for reconvening (sine die). It serves as a standard communication between branches of government and requires certified copies to be sent immediately. This resolution does not create new laws, change policies, or affect any constituents.