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GM 1378

Informing the Legislature that on July 2, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB850 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 275).

2025 Regular Session

Act 275 improves healthcare access for Hawaii's 22,000 individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities by addressing health disparities and collecting vital data.

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Bill Summary · GM 1378

Summary of Bill GM 1378: Informing the Legislature of Act 275

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: GM 1378
  • Title: Informing the Legislature that on July 2, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB850 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 275).
  • Status: Received
  • Introduced: July 02, 2025
  • Classification: Proclamation
  • Subject: Act 275

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of GM 1378 is to formally inform the legislature that the Governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, M.D., has signed into law Act 275, which addresses health disparities faced by individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). The act aims to improve health outcomes and access to healthcare for this population, which has historically experienced significant health disparities compared to those without disabilities.

Key Provisions of Act 275

  1. Data Collection:

    • The State Council on Developmental Disabilities is tasked with collecting comprehensive data to identify gaps in social determinants of health affecting individuals with IDD.
    • This includes assessing healthcare access, quality, and economic stability.

  2. Reporting Requirements:

    • A report must be submitted to the legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.
    • The report will include:
      • Definitions of the IDD population and social determinants of health.
      • Population-level differences in health indicators between individuals with and without IDD.
      • Recommendations for policies and legislative actions to address identified health disparities.

  3. Focus Areas:

    • The act emphasizes the need for culturally appropriate healthcare and aims to address barriers to healthcare access.
    • It seeks to enhance employment opportunities and support individuals with IDD in leading healthy lives within their communities.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • The legislation primarily impacts individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Hawaii, estimated at approximately 22,000 people.
    • It also affects state agencies and healthcare providers who will need to adapt to the findings and recommendations from the data collected.

  • Public Health Implications:

    • By establishing a baseline of data, the act aims to inform public health policies and practices, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for individuals with IDD.
    • The initiative addresses long-standing health disparities, particularly among underserved populations, including Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was signed into law on July 2, 2025, and is now in effect.
  • The State Council on Developmental Disabilities is expected to begin its data collection and analysis immediately, with the first report due in early 2027.

Conclusion

GM 1378 serves as a formal notification of the enactment of Act 275, which is a significant step towards addressing health disparities faced by individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Hawaii. The act's focus on data collection and policy recommendations aims to create a more equitable healthcare landscape for this vulnerable population.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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