Establishes a three-year Health Coverage Continuity Pilot Program to be administered by the Department of Human Services, in consultation with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, to subsidize the cost of certain health insurance deductibles for eligible individuals. Authorizes the Department to contract with a nonprofit health insurer or community-based organization to operate the Pilot Program; provided that the Department shall allow the operator to access state-backed reinsurance or risk stabilization support for the operation of the Pilot Program. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Repeals 6/30/2029. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
Adopts the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act (2023), as modified, to replace existing chapters related to advance health care directives and advance mental health care directives. Requires the Attorney General to convene a working group. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 1/30/2050. Implementation effective 7/1/20209. (SD2)
SB 3232 creates a special fund within the Department of Education to manage Medicaid reimbursements received for school meals. This bill does not change who receives meals or the meal program itself, but instead establishes a dedicated account for handling existing Medicaid reimbursement funds. The key mechanism is redirecting these reimbursements into the new special fund, streamlining how the state tracks and uses this specific revenue source. The bill focuses solely on administrative fund management, not on expanding or altering school meal eligibility or services.
Beginning 1/1/2027, authorizes the Governor to enter the PA Licensure Compact to create a comprehensive process that complements the existing licensing authority of the Hawaii Medical Board and provides a streamlined process that allows a PA to become licensed in multiple states, thereby enhancing the portability of a PA license and ensuring the safety of patients. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Authorizes dispensaries to sell viable cannabis seeds to qualifying patients or their primary caregivers; provided that not more than 10 seeds per month may be purchased by, or on behalf of, the qualifying patient. Repeals existing statutory language that authorizes the Department of Law Enforcement to: (1) inspect a qualifying medical cannabis patient's medical records held by the health provider who issued a written certification for the qualifying patient; and (2) suspend or revoke a health provider's ability to issue written certification for medical cannabis if the provider refuses the foregoing inspection, or if the medical records do not comply with the medical use of cannabis law. Requires the Department of Health to adopt any necessary rules. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)
SB 637 allocates state funds to support various nursing education programs within the University of Hawaii System. It directly affects the University of Hawaii System by providing dedicated financial resources for these specific nursing initiatives. The bill's key mechanism is the appropriation of state budget funds to cover program costs, though it does not specify exact program details. The funding becomes effective on July 31, 2050.
Repeals the general excise tax exemption for amounts received by independent sugar cane farmers. Repeals the general excise tax exemption for amounts received by a contractor of the Patient-Centered Community Care Program that is established by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to title 38 United States Code section 8153. Effective 1/1/2026. (SD1)
SB 1591 allocates state funds to Hawaii's Department of Health and Department of Agriculture to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza outbreaks. The bill directly affects public health and agricultural sectors in Hawaii by providing resources for disease surveillance, rapid response efforts, and prevention measures. Key provisions include funding for testing, containment strategies, and coordination between health and agriculture agencies to protect both human and animal health. This represents a concrete policy change focused on strengthening Hawaii's preparedness for avian influenza threats.
SB 1043 reduces the general excise tax rate on nonprescription drugs by 50%. This change directly affects consumers who purchase nonprescription medications, lowering their out-of-pocket costs. The bill's key provision is halving the existing tax rate, effective July 1, 3000. It does not alter other tax rates or create new government programs. The bill passed a committee recommendation with four supportive votes in February 2025.
Requires all health insurance policies, contracts, plans, and agreements issued or renewed after 12/31/2025, to provide optional coverage for standard fertility preservation services for persons undergoing medically necessary cancer-related treatments that may cause iatrogenic infertility. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD2)
