HI HB1296

Establishes an Early Intervention Services Working Group within the Department of Health to study and recommend ways to assist and support deaf and hard of hearing children, including best practices in early intervention services and education.

Working group membership includes representatives from the Department of Health (family health services and early intervention sections), Department of Human Services, University of Hawaii, Department of Education, legislative chairs from both chambers, the Executive Office on Early Learning, a service provider entity, and a parent of a deaf or hard of hearing child under age five.

Working group shall develop implementation strategies for recommendations and select a chairperson from its members.

Working group must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 regular session.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2023-2024 to cover the working group's expenses, with the Department of Health to administer the expenditures.