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GM 1388

Informing the Legislature that on July 3, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB474 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 285).

2025 Regular Session

Act 285 allocates $200,000 for fall prevention programs in Hawaii, aiming to reduce injuries among seniors, lower healthcare costs, and promote healthier aging.

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Bill Summary · GM 1388

Summary of GM 1388: Informing the Legislature of Act 285

Bill Number: GM 1388
Title: Informing the Legislature that on July 3, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB474 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 285)
Status: Received
Introduced: July 03, 2025
Classification: Proclamation
Subject: Act 285

Purpose and Intent

GM 1388 serves as a formal notification to the Hawaii State Legislature that the Governor, Josh Green, M.D., has signed into law House Bill 474 (H.B. 474), which is now known as Act 285. The primary focus of Act 285 is to address the critical public health issue of falls among seniors aged 65 and older in Hawaii, which are the leading cause of fatal injuries in this demographic.

Key Provisions

  1. Funding Appropriation:

    • The Act appropriates $100,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. This funding is designated for the Department of Health's current fall prevention campaign.

  2. Fall Prevention Campaign:

    • The campaign aims to enhance access to fall prevention services and programs, which are expected to reduce hospital charges and improve health outcomes for seniors.
    • The initiative is designed to expedite treatment, minimize serious long-term consequences of falls, and potentially avoid fatalities.

  3. Statewide Coordination:

    • Act 285 emphasizes the need for a coordinated statewide approach to fall prevention, ensuring that efforts are multidisciplinary and accountable.

  4. Implementation Date:

    • The provisions of Act 285 are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Impact

  • Target Population: The legislation primarily affects seniors aged 65 and older in Hawaii, who are at a higher risk of falls and related injuries.
  • Healthcare System: By reducing the incidence of falls, the Act aims to alleviate the financial burden on the healthcare system, which currently incurs over $100 million annually in hospital charges related to falls among older adults.
  • Public Health: The Act seeks to promote healthier, longer lives for Hawaii's aging population through effective fall prevention strategies.

Legislative Actions

  • Date of Signing: The bill was signed into law by the Governor on July 3, 2025.
  • Legislative Certification: The bill passed its final readings in both the House of Representatives and the Senate on April 30, 2025.

This summary provides an overview of GM 1388 and Act 285, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the anticipated impact on Hawaii's senior population and healthcare system.

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

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