Bill Text: HI HB1366 | 2023 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Homelessness.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-0)
Status: (Passed) 2023-06-21 - Act 094, 06/21/2023 (Gov. Msg. No. 1195). [HB1366 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2023-HB1366-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1366 |
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THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 2 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that many homeless individuals thrive when they have ready access to familiar support groups and loving family members. Many homeless individuals from the continental United States are currently stranded in the State, lacking independent financial resources to return to their home states.
The legislature further finds that homelessness continues to be one of the State's most significant and challenging social problems. Hawaii has limited resources for human services, and homeless individuals may find their families or home states better equipped to provide support.
The purpose of this Act is to require the department of human services to establish and appropriate funds for a three‑year return-to-home pilot program to assist eligible homeless individuals with family reunification.
SECTION 2. (a) The department of human services shall coordinate a voluntary homeless assistance pilot program, to be known as the return-to-home pilot program, to provide eligible homeless individuals with assistance in being reunited with family and relatives in the individual's home state. The department shall establish a public-private partnership by contracting with eligible nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, or foundations to administer the pilot program without regard to chapters 103D and 103F, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
(b) An individual who is homeless shall be eligible to participate in the return-to-home pilot program if:
(1) The individual's participation is completely voluntary;
(2) The individual, if on parole, probation, or awaiting a court hearing or sentencing, has proper clearance from the court to participate in the pilot program; and
(c) An individual shall participate in the return-to-home pilot program only once and shall sign an agreement to this effect before participating in the pilot program. The agreement shall be kept on file with the department of human services.
(d) The return-to-home pilot program shall actively seek the participation of local airlines, cruise lines, charter companies, homeless programs, travel agencies, and the visitor industry to coordinate and implement the pilot program.
(e) The return-to-home pilot program shall assist program participants with necessary and proper preparations for travel, including obtaining proper identification, accessing public transportation to the airport, providing orientation relating to airport security, and ensuring sufficient personal hygiene.
(f) The return-to-home pilot program shall cease to exist on June 30, 2026.
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for implementation of the return-to-home pilot program, including all program costs; provided that moneys provided to any eligible nonprofit organization, for-profit organization, or foundation shall be matched in a dollar‑for‑dollar basis.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 to establish full-time equivalent ( .0 FTE) planner positions within the department of human services to draft rules, procure services, and oversee the return-to-home pilot program.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on June 30, 3000.
Report Title:
DHS; Homelessness; Return-to-Home Pilot Program; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the Department of Human Services to establish a 3‑year Return-to-Home Pilot Program to provide eligible homeless individuals with assistance in being reunited with family and relatives in their home state. Appropriates funds for the implementation of the Return-to-Home Pilot Program and to establish full-time equivalent planner positions. Effective 6/30/3000. (SD2)
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
