STAND. COM. REP. NO. 738

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 144

S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 144, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CHIROPRACTIC,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Beginning July 1, 2027, allow chiropractic students enrolled in a qualified chiropractic college to engage in clinical practice as part of their college instruction if directly supervised by a qualified licensed chiropractor; and

(2) Require the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic to adopt rules.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic, Hawaii State Chiropractic Association, and twenty-six individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that allowing students studying for a degree in a practical field, such as chiropractic, to engage in supervised clinical practice in their trade prior to graduation can be a powerful educational and recruitment tool. Clinical practice facilitates the application of knowledge and skills gained in the classroom in a setting where a licensed professional can offer guidance and feedback. Clinical practice is especially important for chiropractic students, as they must refine skills in musculoskeletal diagnosis, physical examination, and patient communication before practicing independently. This measure increases training opportunities for chiropractors to help recruit and retain practitioners in the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

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

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

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 144, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 144, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection,

________________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair