Bill > SB1039

This bill amends Section 321-10 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to expand the Department of Health's rulemaking authority. Specifically, the bill allows the department to adopt, by rule, any federal regulations that existed as of January 1, 2025, related to protecting, preserving, caring for, and improving the physical and mental health of the people of Hawaii, provided that the department determines such regulations are in the public interest. The bill maintains the existing requirement that departmental rules must conform to Chapter 91 (the state's administrative procedure law) and continue to have the force of law. By setting a specific date (January 1, 2025) for the federal regulations that can be adopted, the bill provides a clear reference point for the department's rulemaking and ensures that only existing regulations at that time can be incorporated into state rules. The bill will take effect upon approval, giving the Department of Health immediate flexibility to adopt relevant federal health regulations that it determines are beneficial to the state's residents.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1039&year=2026