Sen. Stanley Chang

Maddy summarySB 2732 requires courts to consider a defendant's actual financial situation - not just a fixed bail amount - when determining pretrial release. It directly affects individuals detained before trial who cannot afford cash bail. The bill mandates judges to evaluate specific factors related to a defendant's ability to pay, such as income and assets. This aims to reduce pretrial detention based solely on wealth, rather than financial capacity.

Maddy summarySB 3312 creates a state income tax credit program to encourage commercial property owners to convert vacant or underused buildings (like stores or offices) into residential housing. The bill directly affects property owners who complete such conversions, offering them a tax credit to offset costs. Key provisions include appropriating state funds to cover the credit value and establishing eligibility criteria for qualifying properties. This policy aims to increase housing supply by making commercial-to-residential conversions financially attractive, without specifying target locations or housing types.

Requires the Department of the Attorney General to publish, on the Department's public website, an annual report that compiles information on firearms, firearm-related deaths and injuries, and firearm violations. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Maddy summarySB 2241 allocates funds to the Hawaii State Energy Office to study the state's existing and future infrastructure needs for zero-emission vehicles (like electric cars). This analysis will help inform future planning but does not require immediate infrastructure changes or impose new requirements. The bill directs the Energy Office to complete this study, with any resulting plans taking effect on July 1, 2050. The measure is currently pending in committee after receiving a recommendation for passage with amendments.

Maddy summarySB 2186 requires the state Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to create a statewide strategy for managing coastal ecosystems (like mangroves and seagrass) that absorb and store carbon - known as "blue carbon." This strategy must be developed and reported to the legislature, directly affecting the state agency responsible for planning and sustainability. The bill establishes a concrete mechanism for the state to formally address coastal carbon storage through a structured plan and legislative reporting. It does not change existing laws but mandates a new planning process focused on environmental management.

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish rules allowing the sale and distribution of fine mesh nets, including monofilament netting, in the State to protect plants from the coconut rhinoceros beetle.

Proposes an amendment to Article I, Section 4, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii to provide that the participation of non-natural persons in election activities and campaign finance activities may be regulated, restricted, or prohibited as provided by law.

Maddy summarySB 2181 would require public schools in the state to increase the minimum number of instructional hours for students starting with the 2027-2028 school year. This change directly affects all public K-12 schools, as it mandates longer school days or additional instructional days to meet the new standard. The bill specifies the exact hour requirement but does not detail how schools must implement the increase. The measure is currently pending committee review after being introduced in January 2026.

Establishes the Prior Authorization Committee to specify medical conditions for which prior authorization by the insurer for treatment is not required for health insurance coverage. Requires health plan insurers to align their prior authorization processes for other conditions with Medicare policies.

Maddy summarySB 2450 would establish a state-level presidential preference primary election for the 2028 election cycle, beginning January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects voters in this state who would participate in selecting presidential candidates before the national convention. It includes funding appropriations to support the new primary election process. The bill is currently pending, having been deferred by the committee on February 6, 2026.