STAND. COM. REP. NO.  17

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2015

RE:   H.B. No. 578

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 578 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require, beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, a child to undergo a physical examination by a licensed physician or advanced practice registered nurse within twelve months prior to attending seventh grade to attend school.

The Department of Health, University of Hawaii System, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and an individual supported this measure.  The Department of Education supported this measure and offered suggested amendments.  The Hawaii Primary Care Association supported the intent of this measure.

Should this measure be deliberated further in the legislative process, your Committee notes the Department of Education's request for an estimated appropriation amount of $801,625 for 55 half-time equivalent, or 27.5 full-time equivalent, office assistant positions, to fulfill the purposes of this measure.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing its effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion.

     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 H.B. No. 578, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 578, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Education.

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

____________________________

DELLA AU BELATTI, Chair