STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1983

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 437

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 437, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to facilitate mental health services for individuals traumatized by certain violent crimes.

 

     More specifically, this measure authorizes crime victim compensation for mental health services for survivors in cases involving a death and for children who witness domestic violence.

 

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Crime Victim Compensation Commission, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii Psychological Association, Mental Health America of Hawaii, and The Sex Abuse Treatment Center.

 

     Your Committee finds that the Crime Victim Compensation Commission was established in 1967 to mitigate the suffering and financial impact experienced by victims of violent crime by providing compensation to pay for un-reimbursed crime-related expenses.  However, some individuals who are severely impacted by violent crime are not eligible for compensation for mental health services.  These include surviving family members in cases involving murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide and children who witness domestic violence.  Your Committee finds that this measure is intended to assist such individuals by ensuring that mental health services are accessible and affordable.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 437, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

 

 

 

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair