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SB 2465

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO ESTABLISH ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE AS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dru Kanuha and 1 co-sponsor

Hawaii proposes constitutional amendment establishing health care access as fundamental right, requiring voter approval and future legislative implementation of specific access mechanisms.

Referred to HHS, WAM/JDC.
#affordablehealthcare #constitutionalamendment #fundamentalright(conam)
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Bill Summary · SB 2465

Legislative bill overview

SB 2465 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish access to health care as a fundamental right in Hawaii's state constitution. The amendment would require legislative action to implement specific mechanisms for ensuring this right. This is a constitutional proposal that must pass the legislature and be approved by Hawaii voters in a statewide referendum.

Why is this important

Constitutional amendments carry substantial legal weight and would obligate the state to prioritize health care access as a protected right rather than a policy preference. If approved by voters, this could reshape how Hawaii allocates resources, structures insurance programs, and approaches health care regulation. Hawaii would join a small number of states with explicit constitutional health care protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and funding: Unclear how the state would finance universal or expanded health care access and whether existing budgets would require reallocation
  • Definition ambiguity: The amendment doesn't specify what "access to health care" entails (preventive care only? emergency services? prescription drugs?), leaving interpretation to future legislatures and courts
  • Private market impact: Potential conflict between constitutional health care rights and existing private insurance markets, potentially requiring significant health care system restructuring

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

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