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GM 1321

Informing the Legislature that on June 25, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB1322 SD2 HD2 CD1 (ACT 219).

2025 Regular Session

Act 219 modernizes Hawaii's mental health laws, improving support for those with mental illness by clarifying procedures and enhancing reporting on treatment interventions.

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Bill Summary · GM 1321

Summary of Bill GM 1321

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: GM 1321
  • Title: Informing the Legislature that on June 25, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB1322 SD2 HD2 CD1 (ACT 219).
  • Status: Received
  • Introduced: June 25, 2025
  • Classification: Proclamation
  • Subject: Act 219

Purpose and Intent

Bill GM 1321 serves as a formal notification to the legislature regarding the signing of Act 219 into law by Governor Josh Green on June 25, 2025. The primary aim of Act 219 is to enhance and clarify Hawaii's mental health laws, ensuring better support for individuals suffering from mental illness or substance abuse.

Key Provisions of Act 219

Act 219 introduces several significant changes to existing mental health laws, including:

  1. Annual Reporting Requirement:

    • The Department of Health must submit annual reports to the legislature on emergency transportations and assisted community treatment petitions and orders.

  2. Clarification of Procedures:

    • The bill clarifies the procedures for emergency transportation, examination, and hospitalization of individuals deemed imminently dangerous to themselves or others.

  3. Information Sharing:

    • Treatment providers are required to provide relevant treatment information to the Department of the Attorney General upon request for assisted community treatment petitions.

  4. Revised Involuntary Hospitalization Procedures:

    • The bill amends the procedures for involuntary hospitalizations and assisted community treatment petitions.

  5. Medication Administration:

    • It clarifies the circumstances under which medication can be administered to individuals under assisted community treatment orders, even against their objection.

  6. Single Psychiatrist Authorization:

    • A single psychiatrist can now provide administrative authorization for medical treatment over the objection of a patient in a psychiatric facility, replacing the previous requirement for a panel of three.

Impact

The changes introduced by Act 219 are expected to:
- Improve the efficiency and clarity of mental health interventions in Hawaii.
- Enhance the state's ability to respond to individuals in crisis, thereby potentially reducing hospitalization rates and interactions with law enforcement.
- Provide better data and insights into the effectiveness of mental health strategies through annual reporting.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was received by the legislature on June 25, 2025, the same day it was signed into law by the Governor.
  • The Department of Health is tasked with implementing the reporting requirements and procedural clarifications outlined in the bill.

In summary, GM 1321 serves as a notification of the enactment of Act 219, which aims to modernize and clarify mental health laws in Hawaii, ultimately enhancing the support available for individuals facing mental health challenges.

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

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