Bill Text: HI SB646 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii Senate Bill 646 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Relating To Residential Substance Abuse Treatment.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-12-01 - Carried over to 2020 Regular Session. [SB646 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2020-SB646-Introduced.html

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	646
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to residential substance abuse treatment.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that, pursuant to section 334-101, Hawaii Revised Statutes, "[i]t is the intent of the legislature to establish a statewide system of residential treatment programs" to be developed across the State of Hawai�i. The legislature further finds that under section 334-14, the department of health has a mandate to facilitate mental health and substance abuse care and treatment for the homeless population. The legislature additionally finds that the current combined capacity of all residential treatment centers in Hawai�i is approximately three hundred, of which only half are open due to dual diagnosis treatment, while almost one hundred thousand people have been identified by the department of health to need substance abuse treatment.

The legislature also finds that the successful treatment length for chronic substance abusers is between one and a half to three years, as during that time they not only learn to be substance-free, but also learn the skills and coping mechanisms to return back to society without falling into old patterns. The legislature further finds that with only three hundred beds available in residential treatment facilities, the State falls negligently behind in providing Hawai�i's residents with the help that they need.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of health to establish residential substance abuse treatment facilities and appropriate funds for that purpose.

SECTION 2. The department of health shall establish residential treatment facilities for substance abuse treatment and for dual-diagnosed patients who suffer from a mental health disorder and a substance abuse disorder.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawai�i the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2019-2020 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 to establish residential substance abuse treatment facilities.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2019.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Department of Health; Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Department of Health to establish residential substance abuse treatment facilities and appropriates funds for that purpose.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.