Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 19 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request that the auditor assess the social and financial effects of mandating health insurance coverage for survivors of brain injuries.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and a traumatic brain injury survivor. Comments were submitted by the Department of Health.

Your Committee finds that survivors of traumatic brain injuries can lead full lives but may face a long rehabilitation process that may not be covered by health benefit plans. Your Committee further finds that these survivors will be substantially assisted by mandatory health insurance coverage. An Auditor's study is the next step in determining whether this type of coverage is appropriate.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 19 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.