SB3200 SD2 SSCR2614

 

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2614

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3200

S.D. 2

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 3200, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CHILD PROTECTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to provide immunity from prosecution for leaving an unharmed newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within seventy-two hours of its birth; to provide immunity for personnel receiving a newborn; and to require medical history from a person relinquishing a newborn.

The Hawaii Catholic Conference and the Hawaii Family Forum submitted testimony in support of this measure. The Department of Human Services submitted testimony in opposition. The Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu submitted comments.

Your Committee finds that this measure is intended to prevent domestic violence and may save the life of a newborn by creating "safe havens" or designated places where a person may safely leave an unharmed newborn within seventy-two hours of its birth without fear of criminal repercussions or other reprisal. This measure is in accord with the federal Promoting Safe and Stable Families Act, which provides federal funding for the establishment and expansion of similar programs nationwide.

Your Committee amended this measure by making technical, non-substantive amendments for clarity and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3200, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3200, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs,

		____________________________ COLLEEN HANABUSA, Chair