Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Sunrise Analysis Of Lactation Consultant Licensure.
Summary
SR10 is a Senate resolution requesting the Hawaii Auditor to perform a sunrise analysis of proposed licensure for lactation consultants. The resolution notes that while many health-related professions are licensed in Hawaii, lactation consultants currently are not, and points to S.B. No. 317 as the related measure that would create a Board of Lactation Consultants and require licensure. It also cites Hawaii’s sunrise law, which requires proposed regulation of previously unregulated professions to be reviewed by the Auditor before enactment.
The resolution directs the Auditor to evaluate the proposed licensing scheme and submit findings, recommendations, and any suggested legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2026 Regular Session. As a resolution, SR10 does not itself create licensing requirements or change professional regulation; instead, it initiates the review process that could inform future legislation affecting lactation consultants and the broader health-professions regulatory framework.
Impact
SR10 does not directly amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes or impose new licensing rules. Its legal effect is to request an official sunrise review under section 26H-6, HRS, of a proposed regulatory program for lactation consultants. The practical impact is to move the issue into the state’s professional-licensing review process, potentially influencing whether a new board and licensure requirements are later enacted for lactation consultants.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally favorable support for the resolution, with the Senate Health and Human Services Committee passing it 4-0 with amendments. The bill text frames the issue as one involving sensitive subject matter and the need for greater oversight, indicating a policy rationale in favor of review rather than immediate regulation. No committee transcript is available, so the record shows support but limited detail on debate.
Contention
The main point of contention is whether lactation consultants should be treated like other licensed medical-care professions or remain unregulated. Supporters of the resolution appear to favor examining licensure because of the sensitive nature of the work and the proposed creation of a licensing board in S.B. 317. Potential opponents or skeptics would likely question whether licensure is necessary, whether it would create barriers to practice, and whether the profession meets the standards for new regulation under Hawaii’s sunrise law. The amendments and the referral for analysis suggest the Legislature wanted more information before deciding on regulation.