HB2278 Summary

• Establishes the Prevent Suicide Hawaii Taskforce within the Department of Health to develop policies and procedures for suicide prevention in Hawaii.

• Taskforce shall develop annual action items and proposed legislation to reduce suicides in Hawaii by at least 25 percent by 2025, and monitor implementation of the strategic plan with annual updates to the legislature.

• Taskforce membership includes 24 specified positions including representatives from state departments (Education, Public Safety, Human Services), all five military branches, county representatives, suicide survivors, mental health organizations, and legislative appointees.

• All taskforce meetings shall be open to the public and occur at minimum quarterly; members receive no compensation; taskforce shall submit annual recommendations to the legislature no later than 20 days prior to each regular legislative session.

• Act takes effect July 1, 3000.