STAND. COM. REP. NO. 641-06

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2006

RE: H.B. No. 2098

H.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 2098 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to allow people who are developmentally disabled or mentally retarded the freedom to choose to live in a residential setting of their choice provided:

(1) The person can be sustained with supports, and the supports are attached to the person; and

(2) Adequate consideration and recognition is given to the person's safety and well-being.

The State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Disability and Communication Access Board, The Arc of Kauai, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and Hawaii Centers for Independent Living supported this bill. The Department of Health (DOH) supported the intent of this measure. The Department of Human Services submitted comments.

Your Committees have amended this bill by:

(1) Requiring that DOH submit preliminary and final reports to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2007 and 2008, respectively, on:

(A) The number of persons with developmental disabilities or mental retardation who choose to live independently as provided by this Act;

(B) The financial impact this Act has had on the State; and

(C) Any findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation;

(2) Establishing a sunset date of June 30, 2008; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive changes for clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2098, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2098, H.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Health and Human Services,

 

____________________________

ALEX M. SONSON, Chair

____________________________

DENNIS A. ARAKAKI, Chair