Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR129

Introduced
3/7/25  

Caption

Urging The Department Of Health To Undertake Preliminary Education, Outreach, And Vaccination Drive Efforts At Schools In Hawaii With Vaccination Rates Under Fifty Percent, Prioritizing Schools With Vaccination Rates Under Thirty Percent, Beginning At The Start Of The 2025-2026 School Year.

Impact

The bill reflects a growing concern regarding public health and community safety, linked to herd immunity concepts and the potential risks associated with preventable diseases like measles and smallpox. It acknowledges that many public, charter, and private schools have seen vaccination rates dropping significantly, with some institutions reporting over 60% non-vaccination rates. SCR129 calls for a coordinated effort between the Department of Health and the Department of Education, suggesting that systemic educational engagement is essential to counteract this trend and foster a safer school environment.

Summary

SCR129 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii urging the Department of Health to initiate educational outreach and vaccination efforts in schools with particularly low vaccination rates. The resolution specifically targets schools with vaccination rates below 50%, and prioritizes those with rates under 30%. The initiative, set to commence at the start of the 2025-2026 school year, aims to boost vaccine coverage and improve public health among students in the state, particularly in light of a concerning trend of declining vaccination rates.

Contention

Despite its public health intentions, the bill may face scrutiny related to approaches for increasing vaccination uptake. The resolution suggests that local vaccination campaigns should be influenced by successful models from other states that achieved higher rates through targeted outreach and community engagement strategies. It also implies a need for adequate funding and administrative support, which may lead to debates within the legislature regarding budget allocations and program effectiveness.

Companion Bills

HI SR108

Same As Urging The Department Of Health To Undertake Preliminary Education, Outreach, And Vaccination Drive Efforts At Schools In Hawaii With Vaccination Rates Under Fifty Percent, Prioritizing Schools With Vaccination Rates Under Thirty Percent, Beginning At The Start Of The 2025-2026 School Year.

HI HCR173

Same As Urging The Department Of Health To Undertake Preliminary Education, Outreach, And Vaccination Drive Efforts At Schools In Hawaii With Vaccination Rates Under Thirty Percent, Beginning At The Start Of The 2025-2026 School Year, In Partnership With Community Health Centers And Other Local Healthcare Providers.

Previously Filed As

HI SB2853

Relating To Mobile Vaccinations.

HI HB1921

Relating To Mobile Vaccinations.

HI HR50

Requesting The Department Of Health To Conduct A Study Into The Feasibility Of Permitting Minors Sixteen Years Of Age Or Older To Consent To Receive Vaccinations Without Consent From The Minor's Parent Or Guardian.

HI SCR38

Urging The University Of Hawaii At Manoa John A. Burns School Of Medicine To Prioritize Efforts To Strengthen Hawaii's Reproductive Care Workforce, Particularly For Rural And Remote Areas Of The State.

HI HCR158

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Partnership With The Department Of Education, To Produce A Report On Increasing Access To Tutoring Services Within And Outside Of Hawaii's K-12 Public Schools.

HI HR159

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Partnership With The Department Of Education, To Produce A Report On Increasing Access To Tutoring Services Within And Outside Of Hawaii's K-12 Public Schools.

HI SCR78

Urging The Department Of Education To Require All Public Schools And Charter Schools That Serve Meals To Offer Plant-based Meal Options Prioritizing Ingredients From Locally Sourced And Locally Farmed Products.

HI SR32

Urging The University Of Hawaii At Manoa John A. Burns School Of Medicine To Prioritize Efforts To Strengthen Hawaii's Reproductive Care Workforce, Particularly For Rural And Remote Areas Of The State.

HI HCR55

Urging The University Of Hawaii At Manoa John A. Burns School Of Medicine To Prioritize Efforts To Strengthen Hawaii's Reproductive Care Workforce, Particularly For Rural And Remote Areas Of The State.

HI HR57

Urging The University Of Hawaii At Manoa John A. Burns School Of Medicine To Prioritize Efforts To Strengthen Hawaii's Reproductive Care Workforce, Particularly For Rural And Remote Areas Of The State.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.