Sen. Lynn DeCoite

Establishes a new gift card fraud law, under the scope of unfair and deceptive practices law, which requires merchants and third-party gift card resellers to take certain steps to prevent gift card scams. Requires the conspicuous provision of information regarding terms and conditions of gift certificates, regardless of whether the cards are sold in person, electronically, or telephonically. Extends the minimum redemption period for paper gift certificates to four years. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Requires the Air Carrier Commission to enter into a contract with a qualified charter air service provider to secure emergency air transportation services in cases of emergency when no other air service is available. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 451 would require the Department of Human Services to create a Medicaid buy-in program specifically for workers with disabilities. This program would allow eligible individuals to purchase Medicaid coverage through the state, rather than relying solely on federal disability benefits. The bill directly affects working people with disabilities who may not qualify for standard Medicaid but need health coverage. It would take effect on December 31, 2050, though the bill is currently pending committee review.

Amends the Hawaii State Constitution to prohibit the State from denying or interfering with an individual's reproductive freedom, including the right to choose to obtain an abortion and to obtain or use contraceptives.

Requires the Department of Transportation to plan and design an expansion of the runway at Molokai Airport to accommodate larger aircraft. Requires the Department of Transportation to submit a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

Exempts from the general excise tax, gross receipts received by a hospital, infirmary, medical clinic, health care facility, pharmacy, or a practitioner licensed to administer drugs to an individual, from the sale of hearing aids. Effective 12/31/2050. Sunsets 1/1/2027. (SD1)

Clarifies certain benchmark goals and timeline for the Department of Education to provide locally-sourced agricultural and food products. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Authorizes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to utilize funds in the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund as collateral when DHHL is an eligible borrower of a loan guaranteed by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to the Housing and Community Development Act, as amended, subject to approval of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Appropriates funds. (SD1)

Prohibits residing on agricultural park lots unless within a farm dwelling permitted by the Board of Agriculture. Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to conduct inspections of agricultural park lots for unpermitted farm dwellings during fiscal year 2025-2026. (SD1)

Creates a framework for the licensure of rural emergency hospitals by the Department of Health. Provides for the continuation of Medicaid policy protections for hospitals transitioning to a rural emergency hospital designation.