Bill > SB360

This bill establishes a permanent Return-to-Home program administered by the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to help homeless individuals voluntarily return to their home states. The program will work through public-private partnerships with nonprofit organizations and will assist eligible participants who are indigent and lack financial resources for transportation. Eligibility requires voluntary participation, proper legal clearance for those on parole or awaiting court proceedings, and individuals can only participate once. The program will coordinate with local airlines, cruise lines, and other travel-related entities to facilitate transportation and will provide participants with support services like identification assistance, transportation guidance, and orientation. Participants must sign an agreement confirming their one-time participation, which will be kept on file. The bill also appropriates funding for the program, including a full-time equivalent position to supervise the program and cover operational expenses. Additionally, the office is required to submit annual reports to the legislature about the program's progress and recommendations. This legislation transforms a previous pilot program (established in 2023) into a permanent statewide initiative, with implementation set to begin on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=360&year=2025