Update on the 2026 Legislative Session

We are excited to share that three of our priority bills passed the House and are now working through the Senate!

The three bills are:

• HB1563 – would return local decision-making authority on tobacco issues to the counties. Currently, state law prevents Hawai’i counties from passing local tobacco control ordinances that are stronger than state law even when local elected officials and residents demand action.
• HB1779 – would expand free school meal coverage, beginning with the 2029-2030 school year, to all public-school students. Many families in our state don’t currently qualify for free school meals yet still struggle with the cost. We know that when a student is hungry it is harder for them to learn and take part in school activities.
• HB2360 – would establish a paid family medical leave program in our state. This program would allow people in Hawai’i to take time off with pay to welcome a new child into the family, take care of a loved one who is sick, or take time off to recover from a health issue themselves.

Thank you for being an advocate and helping us get these bills this far.