HOUSE BILLS UP FOR FINAL READING

News Release from House Democratic Caucus, April 22, 2024

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – On Monday, the House of Representatives will consider four additional House bills for final reading. The final vote is set for 11:30 a.m. during the Floor Session. Upon approval, these bills will advance to the governor's desk for his signature.

The measures include:

·         HB 1578 HD2 SD1 - Relating to Transportation

o   Permits a shipping container chassis that holds a valid out-of-state certificate of vehicle registration to obtain a certificate of safety inspection. Makes an out-of-state registration for a shipping container chassis valid in the State until its expiration in the other state or for one year after a vehicle safety inspection.

·         HB 1974 HD1 SD1 - Relating to Social Services

o   Increases the monthly needs allowance for individuals living in certain long-term care facilities from $50 to $75. Clarifies that the needs allowance is not intended to replace or affect funds received from the federal Supplemental Security Income Program. Requires certain long-term care facility operators to pay for generic toiletries, linens, and meals and snacks. Clarifies the individuals who are eligible to receive the needs allowance. Takes effect 10/1/2024.

·         HB 2216 HD2 SD2 - Relating to Care Homes

o   Increases the state supplemental payment ceilings for type I adult residential care homes, licensed developmental disabilities domiciliary homes, community care foster family homes, certified adult foster homes, and type II adult residential care homes. Effective 10/1/2024.

·         HB 2393 HD1 SD1 - Relating to Title 24, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes

o   Requires health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations to cover mandated services for mammography at least as favorably as coverage for other radiological examinations. Provides amendments to external review procedures to improve consistency with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Uniform Health Carrier External Review Model Act. Takes effect 7/1/2025.

For measures that have not reached an agreement, the House and Senate have the option to convene in Conference to reconcile discrepancies and craft the final language of the bills. To review Conference notices and monitor bills undergoing this process, visit https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/advreports/main.aspx.

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