This bill, signed into law as Act 237, strengthens legal protections for public servants in Hawaii by creating a specific misdemeanor offense for harassment directed at them during their official duties. It directly affects government employees, law enforcement officers, and anyone subject to threats or harassment while performing their jobs. The key provision amends existing harassment laws to ensure that acts intended to disrupt public service are treated more seriously than general harassment, addressing concerns that current penalties were insufficient to deter such behavior. By elevating these specific threats to a misdemeanor, the law aims to provide clearer legal recourse and better safeguard the safety and effectiveness of public service.
This bill informs the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed Act 229 into law on July 10, 2026. The act updates tobacco enforcement laws to clarify that untaxed electronic smoking devices and e-liquids are treated as contraband subject to forfeiture, similar to untaxed cigarettes. It grants the Department of Taxation and the Attorney General expanded authority to inspect business premises and seize tobacco products, including vaping devices, if they are found to be sold or possessed without proper taxes. Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to ensure that vehicles and other property used to transport or sell these untaxed items can also be seized and destroyed.
This bill directs the Office of Wellness and Resilience to create a program that purchases and forgives outstanding medical debt for eligible Hawaii residents. To qualify for this relief, individuals must be state residents with household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level and adjusted gross incomes under $100,000, while also having medical debt equal to at least 5% of their household income. The legislation authorizes the state to partner with relevant agencies to administer the program, which aims to help families avoid the negative impacts of unpaid medical bills on their health and financial stability.
This bill requires the Hawaii Department of Education to create an updated plan for maximizing Medicaid reimbursements for administrative and support services provided to students with special needs. The Department must also submit annual reports to the legislature detailing how it meets specific Medicaid claim requirements, such as verifying student eligibility, maintaining proper documentation, and ensuring services are delivered by licensed providers. These reports will include data on the number of students served, the amount of federal funds leveraged, and how the reimbursement money is reinvested. Additionally, the Department must provide training materials and evidence of training for staff involved in delivering these school-based services.
This document is a formal notification from the Governor to the Hawaii Legislature stating that Act 225 was signed into law on July 10, 2026. The actual law, SB2494, modifies the state's bribery statutes by extending the statute of limitations for prosecution from three years to nine years. This change is intended to ensure that individuals can still be prosecuted for bribery even if a federal investigation delays the case, preventing the state from losing the ability to bring charges due to time limits. The bill also defines bribery as a class B felony and removes the option for deferred guilty pleas for those convicted of this offense.
This bill requires political committees in Hawaii to submit campaign reports and related documents electronically to the Campaign Spending Commission instead of using mail or physical delivery. It mandates that committees file detailed information about contributions, expenditures, loans, and durable assets online, including specific data on contributors who give large amounts and the ultimate recipients of campaign spending. The law also updates the process for terminating a committee's registration by requiring electronic submission of final reports and bank statements. Additionally, organizers must electronically file a notice of intent before holding any political fundraiser, ensuring the commission has advance notice of the event details. These changes directly affect candidates, political action committees, and other groups involved in state elections by standardizing how they report financial activities.
This bill informs the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed Act 221 into law on July 9, 2026. The law expands hospital licensing options by allowing facilities to use accreditation from any Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-approved organization, not just The Joint Commission. Under the new rules, hospitals that maintain full accreditation or certification can be exempt from routine state licensing inspections, though the department retains the right to investigate complaints or adverse findings. Additionally, reports and letters from these accrediting bodies will become public information.
This bill directs the state health planning and development agency to create a comprehensive plan addressing hearing loss across Hawaii. The plan must assess current efforts, analyze data on prevalence and access to care, and offer recommendations to improve screening, affordability, and treatment for people of all ages. The agency is required to share the initial plan with the legislature before the 2027 session and provide regular updates every two years on progress and future work.
This bill prohibits high-level executive branch employees in Hawaii from attending political fundraisers or soliciting campaign contributions. The law specifically targets officials nominated or appointed by the governor to compensated positions that require Senate confirmation and influence procurement decisions or contract management. While these officials are barred from participating in fundraising activities, the act preserves their rights to vote, make personal political donations, and express opinions as private citizens. The measure aims to prevent the appearance of "pay-to-play" practices where government contracts might be influenced by political donations.
This bill establishes a state-funded financial assistance program to cover colorectal cancer screenings and necessary follow-up treatments for Hawaii residents who are uninsured, have inadequate health coverage, or are ineligible for Medicaid. It mandates that all health insurance policies in the state must cover colorectal cancer screenings using approved methods without requiring deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing fees. Additionally, the legislation requires insurance providers to inform their customers about the risks of undiagnosed colorectal cancer and encourages them to consult with physicians regarding screening options. The Department of Human Services is tasked with creating an application process for this program, which is initially funded with $1.8 million for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
This bill formally recognizes a newly established nonprofit organization as the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary to support the state's conservation efforts. The nonprofit is authorized to create and manage specific protected areas, including sanctuaries around a recreational body of water, in areas suitable for native birds, and in other locations appropriate for wildlife protection. By exempting state funds given to this entity from certain legal requirements, the bill aims to provide flexible management for preserving endangered species and enhancing biodiversity in Hawaii.
This bill mandates that health and hospital insurance policies issued or renewed in Hawaii after December 31, 2026, must cover standard fertility preservation services for individuals undergoing medically necessary treatments that could cause infertility. The law requires insurers to follow established clinical guidelines and prohibits them from denying coverage based on prior diagnoses, life expectancy, disability, or other health conditions. However, the mandate does not apply to experimental procedures, assisted reproduction technologies like donor eggs or surrogacy, or the ongoing storage of frozen reproductive material.
