HB 1969: DHS; Colorectal Cancer Screenings; Colorectal Cancer Treatment; State-Funded Financial Assistance; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO COLORECTAL CANCER.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§346-     State-funded financial assistance for colorectal cancer screenings; treatment.  (a)  The department shall provide state‑funded financial assistance, as appropriated by the legislature, to pay for colorectal cancer screenings for residents of the State who:

     (1)  Are uninsured;

     (2)  Have health care coverage that does not provide coverage without cost sharing for colorectal cancer screenings that meet the requirements of sections 431:10A-122 and 432:1-617;

     (3)  Are permanent United States resident aliens but are ineligible for medicaid; or

     (4)  Are nonresident aliens and are ineligible for medicaid.

     (b)  The state-funded colorectal cancer screenings shall meet the requirements of sections 431:10A-122 and 432:1-617.

     (c)  If, as a result of a colorectal cancer screening conducted pursuant to this section, an uninsured resident of the State requires treatment for colorectal cancer, the uninsured resident shall receive state‑funded coverage for the colorectal cancer treatment."

     SECTION 2.  Section 431:10A-122, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§431:10A-122[]  Colon] Colorectal cancer screening coverage.  (a)  Each policy of accident and health or sickness insurance providing coverage for health care, except for policies that only provide coverage for specified diseases or other limited benefit coverage, shall provide coverage for [colorectal-cancer] colorectal cancer screening by all A and B grade screening modalities as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

     (b)  Beginning March 1, 2011, all health insurance providers in Hawaii shall inform their insured about the risk associated with undiagnosed [colorectal-cancer] colorectal cancer and encourage the insured to consult with the insured's physician about available screening options.

     (c)  Coverage shall include a follow-up colonoscopy conducted after a positive stool-based test, blood-based test, or direct visualization test for colorectal cancer screening.

     (d)  The coverage required under this section shall not be subject to a deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements."

     SECTION 3.  Section 432:1-617, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§432:1-617[]  Colon] Colorectal cancer screening coverage.  (a)  All individual and group hospital and medical service contracts providing health care coverage shall provide coverage for [colorectal-cancer] colorectal cancer screening by all A and B grade screening modalities as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

     (b)  Beginning March 1, 2011, all [health insurance providers] mutual benefit societies in Hawaii shall inform their [insured] subscribers or members of the risk associated with undiagnosed colorectal cancer and encourage the [insured] subscriber or member to consult with the [insured's] subscriber's or member's physician about available screening options.

     (c)  Coverage shall include a follow-up colonoscopy conducted after a positive stool-based test, blood-based test, or direct visualization test for colorectal cancer screening.

     (d)  The coverage required under this section shall not be subject to a deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements."

     SECTION 4.  (a)  The department of human services shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to implement section 1 of this Act, including rules establishing an application process for state-funded colorectal cancer screenings and treatment.

     (b)  In adopting rules pursuant to this Act, the department shall ensure that:

     (1)  The state-funded colorectal cancer screenings meet the requirements of sections 431:10A-122 and 432:1-617, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

     (2)  No cost-sharing requirements are imposed.

     SECTION 5.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,800,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of human services to develop and implement a public assistance program offering state-funded colorectal cancer screenings and treatment, including the establishment of one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position to manage and oversee the program.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

DHS; Colorectal Cancer Screenings; Colorectal Cancer Treatment; State-Funded Financial Assistance; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Department of Human Services to develop and implement a state-funded financial assistance program to offer state-funded colorectal screenings and treatment for certain persons.  Requires state-funded coverage for follow-up treatment for colorectal cancer for certain persons.  Requires coverage to include a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive test result.  Specifies that coverage is not subject to a deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements.  Appropriates funds and establishes one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position.  (CD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO COLORECTAL CANCER.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§346-     State-funded assistance for colorectal cancer screenings; treatment.  (a)  The department shall provide state‑funded financial assistance, as appropriated by the legislature, to pay for colorectal cancer screenings for residents of the State who:

     (1)  Are uninsured; provided that if an uninsured resident of the State requires treatment for colorectal cancer as the result of a screening conducted pursuant to this section, the uninsured resident of the State shall receive state‑funded coverage for colorectal cancer treatment;

     (2)  Have health care coverage that does not provide coverage without cost sharing for colorectal cancer screenings that meet the requirements of sections 431:10A-122 and 432:1-617;

     (3)  Are permanent United States resident aliens but are ineligible for medicaid; or

     (4)  Are nonresident aliens and are ineligible for medicaid.

     (b)  The state-funded colorectal cancer screenings shall meet the requirements of sections 431:10A-122 and 432:1-617."

     SECTION 2.  Section 431:10A-122, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§431:10A-122[]  Colon] Colorectal cancer screening coverage.  (a)  Each policy of accident and health or sickness insurance providing coverage for health care, except for policies that only provide coverage for specified diseases or other limited benefit coverage, shall provide coverage for [colorectal-cancer] colorectal cancer screening by all A and B grade screening modalities as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

     (b)  Beginning March 1, 2011, all health insurance providers in Hawaii shall inform their insured about the risk associated with undiagnosed [colorectal-cancer] colorectal cancer and encourage the insured to consult with the insured's physician about available screening options.

     (c)  Coverage shall include a follow-up colonoscopy conducted after a positive stool-based test, blood-based test, or direct visualization test for colorectal cancer screening.

     (d)  The coverage required under this section shall not be subject to a deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements."

     SECTION 3.  Section 432:1-617, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§432:1-617[]  Colon] Colorectal cancer screening coverage.  (a)  All individual and group hospital and medical service contracts providing health care coverage shall provide coverage for [colorectal-cancer] colorectal cancer screening by all A and B grade screening modalities as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

     (b)  Beginning March 1, 2011, all [health insurance providers] mutual benefit societies in Hawaii shall inform their [insured] subscribers or members of the risk associated with undiagnosed colorectal cancer and encourage the [insured] subscriber or member to consult with the [insured's] subscriber's or member's physician about available screening options.

     (c)  Coverage shall include a follow-up colonoscopy conducted after a positive stool-based test, blood-based test, or direct visualization test for colorectal cancer screening.

     (d)  The coverage required under this section shall not be subject to a deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements."

     SECTION 4.  (a)  The department of human services shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to implement section 1 of this Act, including rules establishing an application process for state-funded colorectal cancer screenings and treatment.

     (b)  In adopting rules pursuant to this Act, the department shall ensure that:

     (1)  The state-funded colorectal cancer screenings meet the requirements of sections 431:10A-122 and 432:1-617, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

     (2)  No cost-sharing requirements are imposed.

     SECTION 5.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of human services to develop and implement a public assistance program offering state-funded colorectal cancer screenings and treatment.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DHS; Colorectal Cancer Screenings; Colorectal Cancer Treatment; State-Funded Public Assistance; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Department of Human Services to develop and implement a public assistance program offering state-funded colorectal screenings and treatment for certain persons.  Requires state-funded coverage for follow-up treatment for colorectal cancer for certain persons.  Requires coverage to include a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive test result.  Specifies that coverage is not subject to a deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO COLORECTAL CANCER.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§346-     State-funded assistance for colorectal cancer screenings.  (a)  The department shall provide state‑funded financial assistance, as appropriated by the legislature, to pay for colorectal cancer screenings for residents of the State who:

     (1)  Are uninsured;

     (2)  Have health care coverage that does not provide coverage without cost sharing for colorectal cancer screenings that meet the requirements of sections 431:10A-122 and 432:1-617;

     (3)  Are permanent United States resident aliens but are ineligible for medicaid; or

     (4)  Are nonresident aliens and are ineligible for medicaid.

     (b)  The state-funded colorectal cancer screenings shall meet the requirements of sections 431:10A-122 and 432:1-617."

     SECTION 2.  Section 431:10A-122, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§431:10A-122[]  Colon] Colorectal cancer screening coverage.  (a)  Each policy of accident and health or sickness insurance providing coverage for health care, except for policies that only provide coverage for specified diseases or other limited benefit coverage, shall provide coverage for [colorectal-cancer] colorectal cancer screening by all A and B grade screening modalities as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

     (b)  Beginning March 1, 2011, all health insurance providers in Hawaii shall inform their insured about the risk associated with undiagnosed [colorectal-cancer] colorectal cancer and encourage the insured to consult with the insured's physician about available screening options.

     (c)  Coverage shall include a follow-up colonoscopy conduct after a positive stool-based test, blood test, or direct visualization test.

     (d)  The coverage required under this section shall not be subject to a deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements."

     SECTION 3.  Section 432:1-617, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§432:1-617[]  Colon] Colorectal cancer screening coverage.  (a)  All individual and group hospital and medical service contracts providing health care coverage shall provide coverage for [colorectal-cancer] colorectal cancer screening by all A and B grade screening modalities as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

     (b)  Beginning March 1, 2011, all [health insurance providers] mutual benefit societies in Hawaii shall inform their insured of the risk associated with undiagnosed colorectal cancer and encourage the insured to consult with the [insured's] subscriber's or member's physician about available screening options.

     (c)  Coverage shall include a follow-up colonoscopy conduct after a positive stool-based test, blood test, or direct visualization test.

     (d)  The coverage required under this section shall not be subject to a deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements."

     SECTION 4.  (a)  The department of human services shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to implement section 1 of this Act, including rules establishing an application process for state-funded colorectal cancer screenings.

     (b)  In adopting rules pursuant to this Act, the department shall ensure that:

     (1)  The state-funded colorectal cancer screenings meet the requirements of sections 431:10A-122 and 432:1-617, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

     (2)  No cost-sharing requirements are imposed.

     SECTION 5.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of human services to develop and implement a public assistance program offering state-funded colorectal cancer screenings.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DHS; Colorectal Cancer Screenings; State-Funded Public Assistance; Appropriation

Description:

Requires and appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to develop and implement a public assistance program offering state-funded colorectal screenings for certain persons.  Requires coverage to include a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive test result.  Specifies that coverage is not subject to a deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO COLORECTAL CANCER.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§346-     State-funded assistance for colorectal cancer screenings.  (a)  The department shall provide state‑funded financial assistance, as appropriated by the legislature, to pay for colorectal cancer screenings for residents of the State who:

     (1)  Are uninsured;

     (2)  Have health care coverage that does not provide coverage without cost sharing for colorectal cancer screenings that meet the requirements of sections 431:10A-122 and 432:1-617;

     (3)  Are permanent United States resident aliens but are ineligible for medicaid; or

     (4)  Are nonresident aliens and are ineligible for medicaid.

     (b)  The state-funded colorectal cancer screenings shall meet the requirements of sections 431:10A-122 and 432:1-617."

     SECTION 2.  Section 431:10A-122, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§431:10A-122[]  Colon] Colorectal cancer screening coverage.  (a)  Each policy of accident and health or sickness insurance providing coverage for health care, except for policies that only provide coverage for specified diseases or other limited benefit coverage, shall provide coverage for [colorectal-cancer] colorectal cancer screening by all A and B grade screening modalities as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

     (b)  Beginning March 1, 2011, all health insurance providers in Hawaii shall inform their insured about the risk associated with undiagnosed [colorectal-cancer] colorectal cancer and encourage the insured to consult with the insured's physician about available screening options."

     SECTION 3.  Section 432:1-617, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§432:1-617[]  Colon] Colorectal cancer screening coverage.  (a)  All individual and group hospital and medical service contracts providing health care coverage shall provide coverage for [colorectal-cancer] colorectal cancer screening by all A and B grade screening modalities as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

     (b)  Beginning March 1, 2011, all [health insurance providers] mutual benefit societies in Hawaii shall inform their insured of the risk associated with undiagnosed colorectal cancer and encourage the insured to consult with the [insured's] subscriber's or member's physician about available screening options."

     SECTION 4.  (a)  The department of human services shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to implement section 1 of this Act, including rules establishing an application process for state-funded colorectal cancer screenings.

     (b)  In adopting rules pursuant to this Act, the department shall ensure that:

     (1)  The state-funded colorectal cancer screenings meet the requirements of sections 431:10A-122 and 432:1-617, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

     (2)  No cost-sharing requirements are imposed.

     SECTION 5.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of human services to develop and implement a public assistance program offering state-funded colorectal cancer screenings.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DHS; Colorectal Cancer Screenings; State-Funded Public Assistance; Appropriation

Description:

Requires and appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to develop and implement a public assistance program offering state-funded colorectal screenings for certain persons.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to colorectal cancer.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§346-     State-funded assistance for colorectal cancer screenings.  (a)  The department shall provide state‑funded financial assistance, as appropriated by the legislature, to pay for colorectal cancer screenings for residents of the State who:

     (1)  Are uninsured;

     (2)  Have health care coverage that does not provide coverage without cost sharing for colorectal cancer screenings that meet the requirements of sections 431:10A-122 and 432:1-617;

     (3)  Are permanent United States resident aliens but are ineligible for medicaid; or

     (4)  Are nonresident aliens and are ineligible for medicaid.

     (b)  The state-funded colorectal cancer screenings shall meet the requirements of sections 431:10A-122 and 432:1-617."

     SECTION 2.  Section 431:10A-122, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§431:10A-122[]  Colon] Colorectal cancer screening coverage.  (a)  Each policy of accident and health or sickness insurance providing coverage for health care, except for policies that only provide coverage for specified diseases or other limited benefit coverage, shall provide coverage for [colorectal-cancer] colorectal cancer screening by all A and B grade screening modalities as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

     (b)  For purposes of this section, all coverage for colorectal cancer screenings shall be consistent with the Affordable Care Act implementation frequently asked questions published by the United States Department of Labor, United States Department of Health and Human Services, and United States Department of the Treasury.

     [(b)] (c)  Beginning March 1, 2011, all health insurance providers in Hawaii shall inform their insured about the risk associated with undiagnosed [colorectal-cancer] colorectal cancer and encourage the insured to consult with the insured's physician about available screening options."

     SECTION 3.  Section 432:1-617, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§432:1-617[]  Colon] Colorectal cancer screening coverage.  (a)  All individual and group hospital and medical service contracts providing health care coverage shall provide coverage for [colorectal-cancer] colorectal cancer screening by all A and B grade screening modalities as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

     (b)  For purposes of this section, all coverage for colorectal cancer screenings shall be consistent with the Affordable Care Act implementation frequently asked questions published by the United States Department of Labor, United States Department of Health and Human Services, and United States Department of the Treasury.

     [(b)] (c)  Beginning March 1, 2011, all health insurance providers in Hawaii shall inform their insured of the risk associated with undiagnosed colorectal cancer and encourage the insured to consult with the insured's physician about available screening options."

     SECTION 4.  (a)  The department of human services shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to implement section 1 of this Act, including rules establishing an application process for state-funded colorectal cancer screenings.

     (b)  In adopting rules pursuant to this Act, the department shall ensure that:

     (1)  The state-funded colorectal cancer screenings meet the requirements of sections 431:10A-122 and 432:1-617, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

     (2)  No cost-sharing requirements are imposed.

     SECTION 5.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of human services to develop and implement a public assistance program offering state-funded colorectal cancer screenings.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

DHS; Colorectal Cancer Screenings; State-Funded Public Assistance; Appropriation

Description:

Requires and appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to develop and implement a public assistance program offering state-funded colorectal screenings for certain persons.  Requires coverage for all colorectal cancer screenings in the State to be consistent with the Affordable Care Act Implementation Frequently Asked Questions published by the United States Department of Labor, United States Department of Health and Human Services, and United States Department of the Treasury.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  839-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1969

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1969, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COLORECTAL CANCER,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Department of Human Services to provide state-funded financial assistance for colorectal cancer screenings to residents of the State, under certain conditions, and adopt rules for this purpose; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services for the development and implementation of the public assistance program for colorectal cancer screenings.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Medical Association; Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association; American Cancer Society Hawaii; Fight Colorectal Cancer; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; and numerous individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health; Department of Human Services; and Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1969, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  691-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1969

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1969, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COLORECTAL CANCER,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to provide state-funded financial assistance for colorectal cancer screenings to residents of the State, under certain conditions.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Medical Association; Hawaii Radiological Society; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association; American College of Gastroenterology; Fight Colorectal Cancer; and numerous individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health and Department of Human Services.

     Your Committee finds that colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early.  Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the State.  This measure funds a publicly assisted colorectal cancer screening program for uninsured residents to have access to colorectal cancer screening and help avoid significant late-stage treatment costs.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Requiring coverage under this measure to include a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based test, blood test, or direct visualization test; and

     (2)  Specifying that coverage required by this measure is not subject to a deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements.

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $1,800,000 and one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position for this measure.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1969, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1969, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  58-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1969

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committees on Health and Human Services & Homelessness, to which was referred H.B. No. 1969 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COLORECTAL CANCER,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to provide state-funded financial assistance for colorectal cancer screenings to residents of the State, under certain conditions.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Primary Care Association; America Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; Hawaii Medical Association; Fight Colorectal Cancer; and numerous individuals.  Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services; Department of Health; and Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

     Your Committees find that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in Hawaii and the second leading cause of cancer deaths nationwide.  Your Committees further find that screening is vital for the early detection of colorectal cancer, which is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early.  However, not all residents of Hawaii have access to health insurance that provides no-cost colorectal cancer screening.  This measure will improve health outcomes for all Hawaii residents by ensuring all persons are able to receive regular screenings for colorectal cancer.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting language requiring coverage for colorectal cancer screenings to be consistent with the Affordable Care Act Implementation Frequently Asked Questions;

     (2)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committees respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $1,800,000 and the establishment of one full-time equivalent position to administer the screening program.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services & Homelessness that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1969, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1969, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Health and Human Services & Homelessness,