STAND. COM. REP. NO. 625

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1042

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 1042 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish and appropriate funds for a Mental Health Emerging Therapies Special Fund to be administered by the Department of Health; and

(2) Require annual reports to the Legislature.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Clarity Project, Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition, Reason for Hope, Transcend Integration, Honolulu Psychotherapy, Beyond Mental Health, Center for Healing & Transformation LLC, Aloha Integrative Mental Health, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, Reason for Hope, Aloha Green Apothecary, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of the Governor, Department of the Attorney General, Department of Budget and Finance, and Department of Health.

Your Committee finds that mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, are widespread and affecting millions worldwide and many in the State's community. Your Committee further finds that while traditional first-line treatment modalities have significantly improved outcomes, they often fall short for those experiencing treatment resistant symptoms, which can lead to great personal, social, and economic impact and consequences. Your Committee additionally finds that emerging therapies for the treatment of behavioral health conditions, including those that have received breakthrough therapy designation, provide new pathways and have a potential for more rapid and effective treatment. This measure supports the continued research, education, and preparation for adaptation to add to available clinical approaches to reduce suffering and improve well-being for patients in the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting an effective date of December 31, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1042, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1042, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

________________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair