Bill > HB251

This bill addresses Hawaii's shortage of social workers by establishing a social work training program for nonviolent incarcerated individuals. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, in partnership with the Department of Human Services, will develop a program that allows eligible inmates to explore a professional pathway in social work and become assistants to licensed social workers. The program aims to help these individuals reintegrate into society by providing vocational training, while simultaneously addressing the state's critical need for more social service professionals. The bill requires the departments to coordinate with higher education institutions, private entities, and nonprofit organizations to provide comprehensive training, and mandates that they submit progress reports to the Legislature in 2026 and 2027. The program will be funded through state general revenues, with appropriations allocated for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The legislation recognizes that many nonviolent incarcerated individuals may have personal experience with social services and could be uniquely suited to enter the field, potentially reducing recidivism while meeting a pressing workforce need in mental health and social services.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=251&year=2025