HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	108
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO REVIEW AND UPDATE THE RELEVANT CHAPTERS OF THE HAWAII REVISED STATUTES THAT RELATE TO MENTAL HEALTH AND INVOLUNTARY TRANSPORT, EXAMINATION, HOSPITALIZATION, AND TREATMENT, INCLUDING ASSISTED COMMUNITY TREATMENT.

WHEREAS, the chapters of the Hawaii Revised Statutes relating to mental health and involuntary transport, examination, hospitalization, and treatment have been amended in a piecemeal manner over the past several decades, which has led to some lack in clarity and inconsistencies; and

WHEREAS, periodically reviewing the Hawaii Revised Statutes would be helpful to advance the overall goal of improving mental health, including for those unable to help themselves; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2023, that the Department of Health is requested to convene a working group to review and update the relevant chapters of the Hawaii Revised Statutes that relate to mental health and involuntary transport, examination, hospitalization, and treatment, including assisted community treatment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested make recommendations for statutory revisions that focus on those chapters relevant to mental health-related voluntary assessment, care, and treatment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to include the following members:

(1) The Director of Health, or the Director's designee;

(2) The Attorney General, or the Attorney General's designee;

(3) A representative from the Department of Health, Adult Mental Health Division;

(4) A representative from the Department of Public Safety;

(5) A representative of the Judiciary, to be selected by the Chief Justice;

(6) A representative from the Prosecutor's Office from each county, to be selected by the respective Prosecutor of each county;

(7) A member of the Senate Standing Committee with primary jurisdiction over Health and Human Services; and

(8) A member of the House of Representatives Standing Committee with primary jurisdiction over Health and Homelessness; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to invite other individuals with relevant experience and expertise to be members of the working group, including:

(1) Psychologists or social workers;

(2) Psychiatrists;

(3) Representatives from residential treatment programs;

(4) Representatives from mental health advocacy groups; and

(5) Any other representatives the working group deems necessary; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to select a chairperson from amongst its members; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, upon request of the working group, the Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to assist in the preparation of the report; provided that before August 1, 2023, the working group submits a draft to the Legislative Reference Bureau, including any information and materials deemed necessary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, for the preparation of the final report; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group, with the assistance of the Legislative Reference Bureau, 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 2024; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to Director of Health, Attorney General, Director of Public Safety, Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court, Prosecutor of each county, and Director the Legislative Reference Bureau.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Mental Health; Working Group; Statutory Review; Department of Health; Legislative Reference Bureau