Sen. Stanley Chang

Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish rules allowing the sale and distribution of fine mesh nets in the State to protect plants from invasive species. Requires DOA to establish a program to provide certain monofilament netting free of charge to the public to slow the growth and spread of coconut rhinoceros beetles in the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Establishes a regulatory framework specifically for pet insurance based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Pet Insurance Model Act.

Maddy summarySB 46 requires all health insurers in the state, including Medicaid managed care programs, to cover annual mental health wellness examinations. It directly affects health insurance providers by mandating this specific coverage in standard plans. The key provision is the requirement for insurers to include these annual examinations as a covered benefit without additional patient cost. This policy change ensures preventive mental health care becomes a standard part of insurance coverage.

Maddy summarySB 118 establishes a new investigator position within the Campaign Spending Commission and allocates funding for this role. The bill directly affects the Commission by adding staff capacity to oversee campaign finance compliance. Key provisions include creating the position and appropriating necessary funds, with the changes taking effect on April 23, 2057. This is a procedural bill focused on strengthening the Commission's operational structure, not on altering campaign finance rules for candidates or voters.

Requires at least two members of the Real Estate Commission to be licensed professional engineers or architects engaged in business in the State for three years immediately preceding the appointment. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Directs the Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Agribusiness Development Corporation and the counties, to conduct a statewide agricultural water infrastructure study. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Expands the duties and powers of the Department of Health that relate to water quality and water quality testing to ensure the safety and health of Hawaii's residents. Appropriates funds.

Requires certain water suppliers in the State to adjust the fluoride level in their public water systems to the applicable United States Department of Health and Human Services standards for optimal water fluoridation levels. Exempts federal water suppliers. Requires water suppliers to test water systems for fluoride levels at intervals established by the Department of Health. Requires the Department of Health to provide training to water suppliers for the implementation of water fluoridation. Requires the Department of Health to submit annual reports to the Legislature.

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds to the Agribusiness Development Corporation for the purchase of the Halaula Agricultural Parcel for agricultural development. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Appropriates funds for the Office of the Governor, in collaboration with the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, to oversee and administer grants to low-income residents, and condominium associations on behalf of low-income condominium owners, to fortify residential real property against hurricanes.