HI SCR171

Urges the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health to convene a Mental Health Emerging Therapies Task Force to prepare Hawaii for integration of FDA-designated breakthrough therapies, including MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression.

Task Force membership would include representatives from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, mental health professionals, legal and regulatory experts, Native Hawaiian health organizations, veterans, first responders, and caregivers.

Task Force responsibilities include preparing for federal rescheduling of breakthrough therapies, expanding clinical trials and university research partnerships, developing workforce training and certification pathways, and creating a statewide implementation roadmap.

Task Force must submit reports with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the Regular Sessions of 2027 and 2028.

Resolution cites Hawaii's mental health crisis and suicide rates as justification, noting that states like New Mexico, Texas, Oregon, and Connecticut have already begun establishing frameworks for emerging therapy research and access.