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 collaboration with the Department of Human Services, will develop a program that helps incarcerated individuals explore a professional pathway in social work and become eligible to work as assistants to licensed social workers. The program may involve partnerships with accredited higher education institutions, private entities, and nonprofit organizations. The departments will be required to submit progress reports to the Legislature before the regular sessions of 2026 and 2027, detailing their findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation. The bill provides funding for the program for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the goal of helping nonviolent incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society by providing them with professional training and potential employment opportunities in the social work field. The program aims to address both the shortage of social workers in Hawaii and provide a constructive pathway for incarcerated individuals to develop marketable skills and career prospects.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=251&year=2026