SR 162: urging the convening of a mental health emerging therapies task force to prepare the State for the integration of breakthrough therapies and to explore opportunities to expand clinical trials, research partnerships, and treatment capacity in the state.

THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	162
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

urging the convening of a mental health emerging therapies task force to prepare the State for the integration of breakthrough therapies and to explore opportunities to expand clinical trials, research partnerships, and treatment capacity in the state.

 

 

     WHEREAS, Hawaii continues to face a significant mental health crisis affecting residents across the State, including veterans, first responders, trauma survivors, and individuals experiencing treatment-resistant mental health conditions; and

 

     WHEREAS, suicide remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in Hawaii and across the United States, underscoring the need to explore safe and effective treatment options supported by scientific evidence; and

 

     WHEREAS, the United States Food and Drug Administration has granted breakthrough therapy designation to several emerging treatments, including 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression, recognizing their potential to provide significant improvement over existing interventions; and

 

     WHEREAS, as federal rescheduling and regulatory approval of these therapies are anticipated, states must proactively prepare public health systems, clinical providers, and research institutions for their safe and responsible implementation; and

 

     WHEREAS, several states, including New Mexico, Texas, Oregon, and Connecticut, have begun establishing frameworks to support clinical research, pilot programs, and responsible access pathways for emerging therapies; and

 

     WHEREAS, without similar planning and coordination, Hawaii risks falling behind in preparing its health care systems, research institutions, and workforce to responsibly implement these therapies when federally authorized; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health is urged to convene a Mental Health Emerging Therapies Task Force to prepare the State for the integration of breakthrough therapies and to explore opportunities to expand clinical trials, research partnerships, and treatment capacity in the State; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force is urged to include representatives of the Department of Health; University of Hawaii; and mental health professionals, legal and regulatory experts, Native Hawaiian health organizations, and individuals with lived experience, including veterans, first responders, and caregivers to be invited by the chairpersons of the Task Force; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a member representing the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health with demonstrated history and expertise in breakthrough and emerging therapies is requested to serve as the chairperson of the Task Force; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force is urged to:

 

     (1)  Prepare the State for federal rescheduling and medical approval of 3,4‑methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), psilocybin, and other drugs or treatments designated as breakthrough therapies by the United States Food and Drug Administration;

 

     (2)  Identify opportunities and requirements for expanding local clinical trials, investigator-initiated research, and university-based research partnerships;

 

     (3)  Develop educational partnerships to help expand awareness of clinical research opportunities for potential beneficiaries of breakthrough therapies;

     (4)  Recommend training, certification, and workforce development pathways for licensed professionals who may administer or support emerging therapies;

 

     (5)  Evaluate best practices from other jurisdictions regarding patient safety, culturally-informed care, equity, access, and harm reduction;

 

     (6)  Develop a statewide implementation roadmap for integrating emerging therapies pending federal approval; and

 

     (7)  Make legislative, administrative, and other recommendations to support long-term adoption of mental health emerging therapies in the State.

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force is requested to submit a report summarizing its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Sessions of 2027 and 2028; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Health, President of the University of Hawaii, and Dean of the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title: 

Mental Health; Emerging Therapies; Task Force; Reports