HI SB2285

Appropriates funds from Hawaii's general revenues for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the Department of Health to contract with community-based organizations for a behavioral health complex patient model

Targets adults with co-occurring substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and chronic physical health conditions, estimated at approximately 75,000 adults in Hawaii with about 21,000 having severe mental illness

Addresses the issue of fragmented care systems where complex patients cycle through emergency rooms, hospitalizations, and the justice system, with jails often becoming default behavioral health providers

Requires the Department of Health to submit a report to the legislature by twenty days prior to the 2028 regular session, detailing fund expenditures, service providers, persons served, measurable outcomes, and proposed legislation

Effective date is July 1, 2026