Hawaiian Islands Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Legislation
HIAMFT is proud to be actively involved in mental health legislation in ours and the greater community.
Here are some recent updates!
July 2024
We have important news! Senate Bill 2601 was passed into law regarding the time limit for reporting child sexual abuse.
The time limit was extended from age 26 to age 50 "recognizing the cognitive and emotional barriers that often delay disclosure."
Thank you to the members of the Hawai'i Psychological Association's Legislative Committee who have worked to provide written testimony in favor of this bill with success!
You may find out more about the legislative process leading up to the bill being signed into law HERE and HERE.
You may also read up on the details of this bill HERE.
HIAMFT thanks you for your interest and involvement in legislative matters impacting our field and our greater island communities. You may fill out our Committee Interest Form if you would like to participate in Legislative Action!
Warm Regards,
HIAMFT Board of Directors
June 2024
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MAY 2024
May is
Mental Health Awareness Month
HB1830 on Associate Licensing for Mental Health Professionals passed the State Legislature!
It is now on its way to Governor Green for his signature.
Please contact Governor Green through this link on his website, (or here) with a kind message encouraging him to sign HB1830 into law.
Aloha, Governor Green:
In honor of May - Mental Health Awareness Month, I am writing to respectfully encourage you to sign HB1830 Relating to Mental Health into law.
Through this legislation, I am grateful that new professionals in behavioral health will no longer face the administrative and economic barriers that drive them to practice in mainland states. We are happy they can stay home and serve our people in need.
Few pieces of legislation can claim the support of every single member of our state legislature - with zero legislators voting "no", nor "with reservations." With no opposition in the public, and 5 state agencies testifying in support, we can feel assured that the policy reflected in HB1830 has the best interests of Hawaii's people, their future, and their well-being top-of-mind.
Thank you for exhibiting a staunch ethic of care in your leadership, and for your steadfast commitment to Hawaii's Public Health; which inextricably and undeniably includes Mental Health, Wellness, & Resiliency.
Mahalo,
[NAME]
To commemorate Mental Health Awareness month, and to support the important efforts and policies our government engages in to promote better community mental health, reductions in stigma, and increased consumer access and utilization of behavioral health care:
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Click here to log in and send your message:
April 2024
Aloha HIAMFT Members,
We are thrilled to share some exciting news that marks a significant milestone in our collective advocacy efforts. House Bill 1830 (HB1830) has successfully passed the Senate Ways and Means (WAM) Committee!
This progress is a testament to the power of our unified voice and the importance of the cause we champion – improving access to mental health care in Hawai’i.
You can watch the hearing and see our advocacy in action.
This victory means that HB1830 will now move to the conference phase, a crucial juncture where final amendments will be discussed, and consensus must be reached before the bill can become law. While this is a moment to celebrate, our journey is not yet complete.
As we prepare for the conference phase, we may need to mobilize further support to ensure HB1830 crosses the finish line. HIAMFT will keep you informed of developments and how you can help when the time comes.
We want to extend a heartfelt Mahalo Nui Loa to each of you for your dedication, advocacy, and support that have been instrumental in achieving this progress. Your efforts have been a critical force behind this bill's advancement, and it's clear that our collective action can bring about meaningful change.
Please stay tuned for further updates. Together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of those seeking mental health support in our state.
Warm regards,
HIAMFT Board of Directors