THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2520
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to Behavior Analysis.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that behavior analysis means the design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional and environmental modifications to produce socially significant improvements in human behavior. The practice of behavior analysis includes the empirical identification of functional relations between behavior and environmental factors, known as functional assessment and analysis, as well as the use of contextual factors, motivating operations, antecedent stimuli, positive reinforcement, and other consequences to help people develop new behaviors, increase or decrease existing behaviors, and emit behaviors under specific environmental conditions.

The legislature further finds that Act 199, Session Laws of Hawaii 2015, established the behavior analyst program within the department of commerce and consumer affairs and established licensing requirements for behavior analysts. Licensing of behavior analysis services was made concurrent with mandated insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment related to autism disorders.

The legislature additionally finds that many students enrolled in department of education schools would benefit from the expansion of behavior analysis services throughout Hawaii's public school system, including, but not limited to, students with autism disorders.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to fund behavior analysis services performed by licensed behavior analysts for public school students.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2018-2019 to provide behavior analysis services to public school students by contracting licensed behavior analysts as defined in section 465D-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2018.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Behavior Analysis; DOE; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the department of education for behavior analysis services performed by licensed behavior analysts for public school students.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.