Bill Text: HI SB2118 | 2012 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Homeless; Department of Health; Triage Centers; Mental Health; Substance Abuse; Appropriation
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-02-06 - (S) The committee on HTH deferred the measure. [SB2118 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2012-SB2118-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2118 |
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TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to the homeless.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that homelessness in Hawaii is a serious concern and the economic and non‑economic cost of homelessness can be severe. According to the most recent Homeless Point-in-Time Count, there were 2,556 unsheltered homeless persons and 3,632 sheltered homeless persons statewide. Nearly forty per cent of unsheltered homeless persons were determined to be chronically homeless. According to a study of hospital admissions of homeless people in the State, 1,751 homeless adults were responsible for 564 hospitalizations and $4,000,000 in admissions costs. Additionally, homeless individuals may spend more time in jail or prison, resulting in higher costs to taxpayers and the State. Repeated incarcerations may be a temporary solution that keeps homeless individuals from disturbing the public, but it fails to address underlying chronic issues such as addiction and mental health needs.
The legislature further finds that confronting issues such as substance abuse and mental illness is an important step in ending the cycle of repeated hospitalizations and incarcerations common in vulnerable homeless individuals. The legislature also finds that one method of addressing these issues is to establish a triage center dedicated to serving the homeless population. The goal of the triage center would be to operate as a pre‑arrest diversion program. The center would be a voluntary alternative to incarceration and inappropriate emergency room utilization, and would target low-level offenders. The center would also serve as a low-demand shelter and would provide case management services, medical assessments, resources, substance abuse treatment, and behavioral health services for individuals with substance abuse problems or mental health needs.
The legislature also finds that funding for mental health services and substance abuse treatment has been drastically reduced over the past few years. Appropriate funding for these services is essential for the success of the triage center and for the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in the State.
The purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Require and appropriate funds for the department of health to develop a triage center pilot program for homeless persons; and
(2) Appropriate funds for mental health services and substance abuse treatment.
SECTION 2. (a) The department of health shall establish a three‑year triage center pilot program in a county with a population greater than five hundred thousand that focuses on serving homeless individuals with substance abuse issues or mental illness. The triage center pilot program shall serve as a pre-arrest diversion program and shall provide case management services, medical assessments, resources, substance abuse treatment, and behavioral health services.
(b) The department of health shall work in cooperation with local hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, law enforcement agencies, and homeless service providers when establishing the triage center pilot program.
(c) The department of health shall submit a progress report of the pilot program to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2013, 2014, and 2015 regular sessions and a final report, including recommendations regarding the continuation or expansion of the pilot program, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2016 regular session.
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 2012-2013 for the establishment of a triage center pilot program for homeless individuals with substance abuse issues or mental illness.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health 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 2012-2013 to provide case management services at the triage center.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. 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 2012-2013 for mental health services for the homeless.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 6. 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 2012-2013 for substance abuse treatment efforts for the homeless.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2012, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2015.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Homeless; Department of Health; Triage Centers; Mental Health; Substance Abuse; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the department of health to establish a triage center pilot program that focuses on serving homeless individuals with substance abuse issues or mental illness. Appropriates funds for the establishment of the triage center and case management services. Appropriates funds for mental health services and substance abuse treatment efforts. Repeals 6/30/2015.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
