HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	50
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONDUCT A STUDY INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF PERMITTING MINORS SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO CONSENT TO RECEIVE vaccinations WITHOUT CONSENT FROM THE MINOR'S PARENT OR GUARDIAN.

WHEREAS, vaccinating minors against diseases is vital to protecting their health and promoting their ability to safely receive an in-person education; and

WHEREAS, according to data released by the Department of Health, the percentage of Hawaii children not vaccinated for illnesses such as mumps and measles, or not receiving the full roster of shots required for school, has increased since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the number of schoolchildren that missed routine vaccinations or had incomplete immunization records jumped fivefold to 18.6 percent following the pandemic; and

WHEREAS, to enable teenagers to get vaccinated against COVID-19, many states and localities permitted minors of varying ages to consent to COVID-19 vaccination; and

WHEREAS, several other jurisdictions follow the mature minor doctrine, which permits minors to consent to receive health services, including vaccinations, if they are deemed mature enough to do so; and

WHEREAS, for example, minors in Washington may receive vaccinations, including the COVID-19 vaccination, without parental consent if the health care provider determines that the minor is a mature minor capable of understanding the consequences of a medical procedure; and

WHEREAS, permitting minors sixteen years of age or older to consent to receive vaccinations would increase statewide vaccination rates to a critical subgroup of the population and offer broader community-wide protection; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2024, that the Department of Health is requested to conduct a study into the feasibility of permitting minors sixteen years of age or older to receive vaccinations without consent from the minor's parent or guardian; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2025; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Health.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

DOH; Minors; Vaccinations; Consent; Study