STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2110-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 874

S.D. 2

H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 874, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO VETERINARY MEDICINE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Require veterinarians to provide a written prescription, upon the request of a client, for any animal patient of a client with whom the veterinarian has established an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship, to be filled at the pharmacy of the client's choosing;

(2) Allow pharmacies licensed in the State to dispense medications prescribed by veterinarians; and

(3) Specify that violators may be subject to disciplinary action by the Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine, which may include fines or suspension or revocation of a license.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Board of Veterinary Medicine; Animal Rights Hawaiʻi; Hawaiian Humane Society; Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association; and four individuals.

Your Committee finds that the cost of pet ownership, including access to veterinary care and medications, presents a significant challenge for many pet owners in the State. Your Committee further finds that, despite these cost pressures, pet owners demonstrate a strong commitment to the health and well-being of their animals, as reflected by the regular use of §veterinary services. By allowing pet owners greater flexibility to obtain pet medications at competitive prices, this measure supports responsible pet ownership, promotes affordability, and helps ensure continued access to necessary care.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Specifying that the required notice must be provided through direct communication at the time a prescription medication is recommended or prescribed, but need not be provided more than once per visit;

(2) Deleting posted signage and digital communication as acceptable means of providing the required notice; and

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

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 874, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 874, S.D. 2, H.D. 2.

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

____________________________

SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair