WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HCR 139

REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF WELLNESS AND RESILIENCE TO DEVELOP A REPORT TO ADDRESS THE DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN BORN DURING THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 PANDEMIC.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 2 co-sponsors

Directs a report on trauma-informed needs and interventions for children born 2018–2025, guiding future policies to mitigate pandemic-era developmental impacts.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 405).
#children #officeofwellnessandresilience #report #trauma-informedcare
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCR 139

Summary — HCR 139 (HCR139 HD1)

Title: Requesting the Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop a report to address the developmental needs of children born during the COVID‑19 pandemic

Purpose

HCR 139 asks the State’s Office of Wellness and Resilience (OWR) to prepare a comprehensive report identifying needs, services, and recommended interventions for children born during the COVID‑19 pandemic (defined in the resolution as children born between 2018–2025). The resolution emphasizes trauma‑informed approaches, disparities affecting vulnerable populations, and supports for educators and frontline workers.

Key provisions

The OWR is requested to prepare a report that includes:
1. Trauma‑informed care research and practices that:
- Identify types of trauma and effects of acute/chronic exposure;
- Describe interventions and strategies to avoid retraumatization;
- Recommend culturally appropriate and evidence‑based practices to support children’s transitions into middle school, high school, and post‑secondary life.
2. An outline of current services addressing pandemic‑related social and emotional learning loss provided by: Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Executive Office on Early Learning, and key non‑profits/community groups.
3. A comprehensive analysis of services available to individuals and families affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires.
4. Information on existing services to support educators and child‑facing workers who may experience secondary traumatic stress (from COVID‑19 and the Maui wildfires).
5. Recommendations to strengthen frontline workers’ self‑care plans and interventions that promote resiliency and well‑being.

The report may include proposed legislation.

Who is affected

  • Primary focus: children born 2018–2025 (especially birth–age‑5 cohort), including those from economically disadvantaged, minority, rural, remote, and Native Hawaiian communities.
  • Indirectly affected: families/caregivers, educators, community‑based providers, frontline workers, and state agencies named above.

Timeline & legislative status

  • Adopted as amended (HD1) by the Legislature (May 2025).
  • Report due from OWR to the Legislature by December 31, 2026 (HD1 deadline).
  • Certified copies to be transmitted to the Governor and OWR.
  • Final status: Passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor (June 20, 2025).

Practical impact

HCR 139 is a concurrent resolution (non‑binding) that directs a study and recommendations rather than allocating funds or creating new programs. The resulting OWR report could inform future policy, program planning, budget requests, and legislation aimed at mitigating long‑term developmental and educational impacts of pandemic‑era experiences and related disasters (e.g., Maui wildfires).

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

Sign in to ask a question.