Sen. Stanley Chang

Revises the Hawaii Patients' Bill of Rights and Responsibilities Act by: (1) Establishing new provisions on telehealth parity, prior authorization timelines, and automated decision systems; (2) Enhancing medical data protection and privacy standards; (3) Expanding the insurance commissioner's enforcement authority; and (4) Improving network adequacy, internal and external appeals procedures, and reporting requirements.

Requires the Department of Health to develop by 12/31/2026, standardized educational materials relating to lung cancer screening and language on lung cancer screening information to be included in signage and written notices to be used by retailers of tobacco products. Beginning 1/1/2027, requires retailers engaged in the retail sale of tobacco products to display signage on lung cancer screening at each point of sale and provide written notice on lung cancer screening to each buyer of a tobacco product.

Maddy summarySB 2226 requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a safety helmet while riding. The bill directly affects anyone who operates or rides on a motorcycle in the state. Its key provision mandates helmet use for all riders without exception, replacing any existing exemptions. This policy change aims to establish a uniform safety standard for motorcycle transportation. The bill is currently in committee referral following its initial introduction.

Establishes an independent Office of the Child Advocate within the Office of the Ombudsman to oversee and evaluate the delivery of services to children and their families by various state agencies and entities, receive and investigate complaints, and make recommendations for improvement. Requires annual reports to the Governor, Legislature, and public. Appropriates funds.

Prohibits the sale of any beverage contained in single-use plastic beverage containers where the plastic beverage cap is not tethered to the single-use plastic beverage container when the plastic beverage cap is removed. Requires plastic beverage caps tethered or otherwise attached to the single-use plastic beverage containers to be the same plastic resin.

Establishes the Hanai Memory Network Program within the Executive Office on Aging to create a network of dementia care specialists and support systems to assist individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Appropriates funds.

Establishes as a deceptive trade practice the advertising, displaying, or offering of a price for goods or services that does not include all mandatory fees or charges, with certain exceptions.

By January 1, 2027, requires each law enforcement agency operating in the State to maintain a publicly available policy on the visible identification of law enforcement officers and use of facial coverings.

Requires the Agribusiness Development Corporation to establish an Agricultural Conservation Easement Program to purchase from willing private land owners agricultural conservation easements to preserve and protect the land for agricultural use in perpetuity. Establishes the Agricultural Conservation Easement Management Special Fund. Appropriates funds.

Establishes liability for any individual who keeps, feeds, or harbors chickens, ungulates, or felids that cause damage to the private property of another individual. Requires the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to conduct a study to determine whether feral chickens should be classified as an invasive species.