Bill > HB244

This bill aims to address the funding challenges faced by community-based organizations that provide critical social services in Hawaii by appropriating funds for the Department of Human Services (DHS) to collaborate with these organizations. The legislation recognizes that many community-based nonprofits are struggling with stagnant government contract funding that does not cover full operational costs, with a 2022 survey revealing that 91% of organizations have government contract budgets below their actual operating expenses. The bill proposes to allocate funding across eight specific service areas, including child protective services, adult protective services, vocational rehabilitation, homeless services, child care support, self-sufficiency services, health care payments, and in-community youth programs. The purpose is to prevent service reductions or potential organizational closures by providing more equitable funding, ultimately supporting vulnerable populations such as individuals experiencing homelessness, children, and those needing mental health or social services. While the specific dollar amounts are not filled in the bill text, the funding is intended to be distributed across fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the act scheduled to take effect on December 31, 2050.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=244&year=2026