Sen. Ron Kouchi

Maddy summarySB 2571 increases the daily payment amount for jurors and prospective jurors who attend court. The bill specifies a higher rate of compensation per day of actual court attendance and allocates state funds to cover this cost. This change directly affects individuals summoned for jury duty in Oregon courts, ensuring they receive a higher daily stipend for their service. The measure focuses solely on adjusting payment rates without altering jury eligibility or selection processes.

Requires a tax to be paid before the courts may entertain a second appeal on the merits of the dispute. Requires a taxpayer who partially prevailed during the taxpayer's first appeal to pay the amount determined to be due in that first appeal, rather than the entire assessment, in order to make a subsequent appeal. Clarifies that a taxpayer who does not appeal the decision of the body reviewing the initial tax assessment by the Department of Taxation is required to pay the tax as determined by the Taxation Board of Review or Tax Appeal Court or the tax assessment by the Department of Taxation if left unmodified and unamended by the Board or Court. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 3301 clarifies and adds procedural safeguards to Hawaii's existing law (HRS § 40-35) governing how individuals or businesses can seek refunds from the state when they dispute payments made under protest. The bill specifically aims to make the process clearer and more protective for those seeking to recover funds they believe were paid in error. It does not change the substance of the refund rules but focuses on improving the procedure for filing and processing such claims. This bill directly affects taxpayers who pay state fees or taxes and later contest those payments through a formal protest.

Amends the Downpayment Loan Assistance Program, administered by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, to align with federal requirements and enhance assistance for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers. (SD1)

Amends section 353-64, HRS, to include participation in correctional programs for parole eligibility: (1) treatment (substance abuse, mental health, sex offender); (2) work furlough as part of vocational education; and (3) other programs designed to assist the committed person with successful reintegration back into the community; all of which are in the scope of programs determined by Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's Receiving and Diagnostic (RAD) assessments and recommended for parole eligibility. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Defines public uses of public lands as uses by an agency either directly or through disposition, that support the agency's functions including but not limited to the uses described in section 171-10, HRS.

Prohibits the assessment of any fees, fines, or court costs against a person who was adjudicated for an offense committed during the person's minority, or against the person's parent or guardian, and discharges all related debt obligations assessed before the effective date of the Act. Encourages the use of community service and other programs that employ aina-based principles. Repeals certain penalties imposed on parents, guardians, or other persons associated with unaccompanied children in streets and unmarried minors in dance halls. Effective 7/1/2027. (SD1)

Requires the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu to submit a report to the Legislature. Appropriates grant-in-aid moneys to the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu for the Victim Witness Assistance Program. (SD1)

Provides for the temporary sealing of certain medical records and professional evaluations filed in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings pending a judicial determination on the need for continued sealing.

Authorizes licensed paramedics in a county with a population of 100,000 or less to administer buprenorphine after administration of an opioid antagonist in cases of opioid overdoses, under certain conditions. Requires the Department of Health to implement a two-year phased pilot program beginning in one county with a population of 100,000 or less and authorizes expansion of the program statewide as additional treatment resources become available. Requires a report to the Legislature evaluating program outcomes. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 6/30/2028. (SD1)