Hawaii Bills | MyRepTracker

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

GM 1333: Informing the Legislature that on July 10, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1705 HD1 SD2 (ACT 231).

This bill, known as Act 231, expands the pool of qualified professionals who can serve as child custody evaluators in Hawaii by including licensed mental health counselors. Currently, only marriage and family therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and clinical social workers are eligible, but this legislation adds licensed mental health counselors to the list of approved professionals. The change aims to address high demand and long wait times for evaluations, which can delay critical decisions affecting children's well-being and increase costs for families. By allowing counselors to perform these evaluations, the bill seeks to reduce backlogs and make the process more accessible and equitable for families involved in family court proceedings.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

GM 1324: Informing the Legislature that on July 9, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB3132 SD1 HD2 CD1 (ACT 222).

This bill requires all hospitals with emergency departments in Hawaii to report de-identified patient data to the state Department of Health for syndromic surveillance. The collected information, which includes chief complaints, diagnoses, and visit dates, will be used to automatically detect disease outbreaks and public health threats without revealing individual identities. By establishing a state-run reporting program, the legislation allows the Department of Health to customize data analysis for local needs and reduces reliance on a voluntary federal system. This change aims to improve the state's ability to respond quickly to health emergencies, including pandemics, natural disasters, and other public health concerns.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

GM 1326: Informing the Legislature that on July 9, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1642 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 224).

This bill prohibits the operation of cryptocurrency kiosks in Hawaii that accept cash from customers in exchange for digital assets, effective October 1, 2026. The legislation aims to protect residents from financial scams by banning machines that allow users to insert physical currency to purchase digital financial assets. While the law still permits these kiosks to function if they accept digital assets to buy other digital assets or to dispense cash, it specifically targets the cash-to-crypto transaction model. The measure applies to anyone who owns, operates, or manages such kiosks within the state.

Topics ✗ Technology

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 10, 2026

HB 1642: RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.

Beginning 10/1/2026, prohibits the ownership, operation, or management of a digital financial asset transaction kiosk that accepts United States currency from a customer in exchange for a digital financial asset. (CD1)

Topics ✗ Technology

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 10, 2026

HB 1864: RELATING TO INSURANCE.

For policies, contracts, plans, and agreements issued or renewed after 12/31/2026, requires insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for standard fertility preservation services for persons undergoing medically necessary treatment that may cause iatrogenic infertility. (CD1)

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

SB 2271: RELATING TO HOSPITAL LICENSING.

Requires the Department of Health to adopt rules to allow hospitals to demonstrate compliance with all licensing inspections required by the State through accreditation or certification by any accreditation or certification organization approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (CD1)

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

SB 3253: RELATING TO CONSERVATION.

Recognizes the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity established pursuant to Senate Resolution 94, Senate Draft 1, Regular Session of 2026, to protect and expand populations of endangered species and other wildlife in the State. (CD1)

Topics ✓ Environment

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 10, 2026

HB 1974: RELATING TO HEALTH.

HB 1974 requires the State Health Planning and Development Agency to create and publish a comprehensive state plan addressing hearing loss, using state funds that the bill appropriates. This bill directly affects the State Health Planning and Development Agency, mandating it to develop the plan within a specified timeframe. The key provision is the allocation of state funding to support the agency's work in researching and outlining strategies to address hearing loss across the state. The bill passed a committee recommendation with amendments in February 2026, moving it toward potential passage.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

SB 3132: RELATING TO SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE.

Requires hospitals with emergency departments that are licensed in the State to submit syndromic surveillance data to the Department of Health. Authorizes the Department of Health to establish a state syndromic surveillance data reporting system. (CD1)

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 10, 2026

HB 2452: RELATING TO STATE BONDS.

Authorizes issuance of general obligation bonds. Makes findings required by Article VII, Section 13, of the Hawaii State Constitution to declare that the issuance of authorized bonds will not cause the debt limit to be exceeded. (CD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

SB 2532: RELATING TO THE CAMPAIGN SPENDING COMMISSION'S ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM.

Amends various sections of Hawaii's campaign spending laws by requiring designated campaign finance forms to be submitted electronically through the Campaign Spending Commission's upgraded electronic filing system. Effective 11/4/2026. (CD1)

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 10, 2026

HB 1705: RELATING TO CHILD CUSTODY.

HB 1705 allows licensed mental health counselors to serve as child custody evaluators in court cases. This change directly affects families involved in custody disputes, as it expands the pool of qualified professionals who can assess children's well-being during these proceedings. The bill modifies existing law to permit counselors with appropriate licensure to be appointed for this specific role, rather than limiting it to other types of evaluators. This is a concrete policy change that alters who can provide these evaluations in family court.