Legislative Activity

The "Stop Illegal Campaign Coordination Act" amends campaign finance laws to treat certain expenditures as coordinated, and therefore regulated, if they align with guidance from a candidate, their committee, or a political party, regardless of whether the guidance is public or directly communicated. Factors determining alignment include whether the guidance suggests communicating information about a candidate or party, specifies a target audience or communication method, or includes content used in the expenditure. The amendments apply to expenditures made after the Act's enactment.

This bill expresses support for designating February 2025 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "'Olelo Hawai'i Month" to recognize and celebrate the Hawaiian language (lelo Hawaii). It acknowledges the historical suppression of lelo Hawaii and the ongoing revitalization efforts. The bill also commits to preserving, protecting, and promoting the use, practice, and development of lelo Hawaii, urging all people in the United States to participate in celebrating lelo Hawaii Month.

The "Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025" aims to combat the spread of Rapid Ohia Death, a disease affecting Ohia trees in Hawaii, through collaborative efforts between the Department of Interior, the Department of Agriculture, and the State of Hawaii. It directs continued research into the disease's spread, management of ungulates in affected areas, and financial aid for prevention and restoration efforts. The Act also provides support to the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry for ongoing research.

The "Strengthening Pathways to Health Professions Act" exempts certain healthcare education loan repayments and scholarships from federal income tax. This includes funds received from specific Public Health Service Act programs, state initiatives, and programs supporting healthcare in underserved communities. These changes aim to encourage healthcare professionals to serve in areas with the greatest need by reducing their tax burden. The provisions apply to taxable years starting after the Act's enactment.

This bill recognizes the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to the United States and the significant contributions of Okinawan Americans to various sectors of American society. It reaffirms the cultural ties between the United States and Okinawa. The bill also encourages the people of the United States to commemorate this anniversary with appropriate programs and activities.