Bill Text: HI HB2411 | 2020 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Housing Assistance.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 13-1)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2020-05-21 - Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. [HB2411 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2020-HB2411-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2411 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO HOUSING ASSISTANCE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that it is vital to continue support for "shallow subsidy" programs such as the State's rent supplement program. These programs have immediate and longer-term benefits for the individuals and families they serve. Rent subsidies relieve the burden of the State's high cost of living by making up the shortfall between the amount that program participants can afford to pay and the market cost of rental housing units. As a result, financial resources freed up by the subsidy may then be spent on other essential living expenses such as food, medical care, transportation, and utilities. This preventive assistance helps low-income families avoid eviction and subsequent homelessness.
Under the rules of Hawaii's rent supplement program, the authorized range of rent supplement payments is $25 to $500 per month. The Hawaii public housing authority pays the subsidy directly to housing owners on behalf of participating tenants. To be eligible for the program, participants must meet income and asset limits and comply with other requirements, such as refraining from drug-related or violent criminal activity.
The legislature also finds that the cost of funding the state rent supplement program is relatively low, considering the extent of its beneficial effects. As of October 2019, there were three hundred forty-five program participants. In fiscal year 2018-2019, the average monthly subsidy amount was $410. However, it should be noted that only 49.5 per cent of program participants received the maximum allowable monthly subsidy of $500 during the past fiscal year.
The legislature believes that, given the State's high-priced rental market, the reach of the state rent supplement program should be expanded so that more individuals and families can receive housing assistance in an expeditious manner.
The purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Add to the amount of funding previously appropriated for monthly housing subsidies under the state rent supplement program and specify that any funds appropriated shall be added to the base budget of the Hawaii public housing authority; and
(2) Establish additional staff positions for the State rent supplement program.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $5,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 for monthly rent subsidies paid out of the state rent supplement program that is authorized under part VIII of chapter 356D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii public housing authority for the purposes of this Act and shall be in addition to moneys previously appropriated for fiscal year 2020-2021; provided that any funds appropriated pursuant to this section shall be included in the base budget of the Hawaii public housing authority.
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 2020-2021 for the establishment of full-time equivalent ( .0 FTE) staff positions for the state rent supplement program.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii public housing authority for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
HPHA; Rent Supplement Program; Base Budget; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for rent subsidy payments, which sums shall be added to the Authority's base budget, and additional staff. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
