STAND. COM. REP. NO.  619

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 1792

      H.D. 2

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 1792, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DRUG ABUSE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to explore new, alternative methods of treating those addicted to crystal methamphetamine (crystal meth) by:

     (1)  Requiring the Department of Health (DOH) and the chairs of the health committees of the Senate and House of Representatives to review the pilot studies conducted in other states on the use of the PROMETA treatment protocol to address withdrawal cravings of crystal meth addicts;

     (2)  Requiring, if the review is favorable, the State to develop a plan to adopt the PROMETA treatment protocol as an alternative treatment for persons convicted of substance abuse or related offenses;  

     (3)  Appropriating funds for (1) and (2); and

     (4)  Requiring DOH to submit a progress report prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2008, and a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2009.

     Several concerned individuals supported this bill.  DOH and a concerned individual opposed this measure.

     Your Committee finds that the PROMETA treatment protocol may represent another valuable tool in efforts to address the growing epidemic of crystal meth addiction.  This measure requires a thorough study of the PROMETA treatment protocol, and a favorable review, before the protocol is adopted.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Revising the reporting provisions by:

          (A)  Deleting the progress report; and

          (B)  Making the findings and recommendations report due no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2008;

     (2)  Clarifying the appropriation for the development of a plan to adopt the PROMETA treatment protocol by:

          (A)  Changing the time period of the appropriation to fiscal year 2008-2009; and

          (B)  Specifying that the appropriation is contingent on a favorable report from DOH;

          and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for style, clarity, and consistency.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1792, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1792, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

____________________________

TOMMY WATERS, Chair