STAND. COM. REP. NO.  455-16

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2016

RE:   H.B. No. 2357

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 2357, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGE OF CONSENT FOR ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to reduce barriers for adolescents in accessing mental health care that may otherwise be unobtainable due to family dynamics or other circumstances by permitting minors fourteen years of age or older to consent to receive mental health treatment or counseling services provided by a licensed mental health professional if the licensed mental health professional deems the minor is mature enough to participate intelligently in the treatment or counseling services.

The Department of Health, Hawaii Youth Services Network, IMUAlliance, and two individuals testified in support of this measure.  An individual opposed this measure.  The Department of Education commented on this measure.

     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. 2357, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair