STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1082-08

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

RE:   S.B. No. 2064

      S.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 2064, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO JURY SERVICE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to permit an actively practicing psychologist who is in the full‑time practice of treating patients to claim an exemption from service as a juror.

     The Judiciary submitted testimony in opposition to this measure.

     Although your Committee recognizes that all qualified state residents have an obligation to serve as jurors, state law currently allows an actively practicing physician or dentist to claim an exemption from jury duty.  Your Committee also recognizes there is a shortage of mental health service providers in the State, particularly in rural and other under-served areas.  This measure will allow psychologists in full-time practice to continue to provide mental health services to patients without an unplanned interruption that may interfere with treatment plans.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2064, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

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

____________________________

JOSHUA B. GREEN, M.D., Chair