SR 37 Hawaii Senate · 2024 Regular Session

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONVENE A STAKEHOLDER WORKING GROUP TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO ENHANCE MEANINGFUL ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE IN THE STATE THROUGH THE PROVISION OF LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE SERVICES.

This Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Health to form a working group to study how to improve language assistance services for patients who do not speak English well. The group will include healthcare providers, insurers, and community organizations to examine current barriers and the use of family members as interpreters. After reviewing the situation, the working group must submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2025, potentially including new laws to ensure equitable care.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2024

Committee Review

Apr 2024

Senate Passage

Apr 2024

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Mar 7, 2024 Last action May 31, 2024

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 4, 2024

Upper · Passed

Report and Resolution Adopted.

upper

Apr 3, 2024

Upper · Passed

Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3552) with recommendation of adoption.

upper

Mar 22, 2024

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in HHS were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Aquino, Keohokalole; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Shimabukuro, Awa.

upper

Mar 19, 2024

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 03-22-24 1:00PM; CR 225 & Videoconference.

upper

Mar 14, 2024

Committee

Referred to HHS.

upper

Mar 7, 2024

Introduced

Offered.