STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3325

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1969

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1969, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COLORECTAL CANCER,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Department of Human Services to develop and implement a public assistance program offering state-funded colorectal screenings for certain persons;

(2) Require coverage to include a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive test result;

(3) Specify that coverage is not subject to a deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements; and

(4) Appropriate funds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Hawaii Medical Association, Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association, Fight Colorectal Cancer, Oncology Nurse Society - Hawaiʻi Chapter, and fourteen individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that colorectal cancer remains a major health concern as the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in the State. Your Committee further finds that screening can prevent colorectal cancer or detect it at an earlier, more treatable stage. However, barriers such as cost, coverage confusion, and lack of support in navigating health coverage options can hinder timely uptake, especially for underserved and uninsured residents. This measure would align coverage with federal Affordable Care Act preventive protections and establish a state assistance program to ensure recommended screening tests are accessible for eligible residents of the State.

Your Committee acknowledges the concerns raised by the Department of Health that some residents of the State may be unable to access required follow-up treatment after a screening, particularly those who may be uninsured.

Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting language to clarify that if an uninsured resident of the State requires treatment for colorectal cancer as the result of a state-funded screening, the uninsured resident of the State shall receive state-funded coverage for colorectal cancer treatment;

(2) Inserting language to clarify that insurance coverage for colorectal screenings shall include a follow-up colonoscopy conducted after a positive stool-based test, blood-based test, or direct visualization test for colorectal cancer screening; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments 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 H.B. No. 1969, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1969, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

________________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair