STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1035

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1434

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 Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1434, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO UNIVERSAL IMMUNIZATION FUNDING PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to facilitate immunizations among residents.

Specifically, the measure:

(1) Establishes within the Department of Health a Universal Immunization Funding Program to administer immunizations to individuals in the State who are not eligible to receive free immunizations through other programs;

(2) Establishes the universal immunization purchase special fund, from which expenditures shall be used for the purchase of immunizations and the administration of the Universal Immunization Funding Program; and

(3) Appropriates moneys into and out of the universal immunization purchase special fund.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health; State Health Planning and Development Agency; American Academy of Pediatrics, Hawaii Chapter; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, Libertarian Party of Hawaii, Free Citizens of Maunalua, Aloha Freedom Coalition, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that fourteen states provide state‑purchased access to recommended immunizations, ensuring the timely supply of immunizations to vulnerable patients during emergencies or immunization shortages. Your Committee believes that this measure will help the State accomplish the same goal, address disparities in access to immunizations, and reinforce the State's commitment to promoting public health.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1434, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair