Bill Text: HI HB1129 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To The Homeless.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-12-01 - Carried over to 2020 Regular Session. [HB1129 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2020-HB1129-Introduced.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1129 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019 |
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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 many homeless persons thrive when they have ready access to familiar support groups and loving family members. Many homeless persons from the continental United States are currently stranded in Hawaii, lacking independent financial resources to return to their home states.
The legislature further finds that homelessness continues to be one of the State's most significant and challenging social problems. Hawaii has limited resources for human services, and homeless persons may find their families or home states better equipped to provide support.
The purpose of this Act is to establish a return-to-home program to assist the homeless with family reunification.
SECTION 2. Chapter 356D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"PART .
RETURN-TO-HOME PROGRAM
§356D- Return-to-home program. (a) There is established within the authority a voluntary program to assist eligible homeless persons in reuniting with family members in their home states. The authority shall administer the program and shall adopt the standards and framework necessary to implement it.
(b) No person shall be eligible to participate in the program unless:
(1) The person's participation is completely voluntary;
(2) The person has a support system in place in the home state that is willing to receive and accommodate them;
(3) The person, if on parole, probation, or awaiting a court hearing or sentencing, has proper clearance from the court to participate in the program; and
(4) The person is indigent and lacks the financial resources to secure return transportation to the home state.
(c) The authority shall actively seek the participation of local airlines, cruise lines, charter companies, homeless programs, travel agencies, and the visitor industry to implement and coordinate the program.
(d) The authority shall also assist program participants with preparations for the return trip, including assisting them in obtaining proper identification, orienting them to airport security, and providing them with the basics of personal care.
(e) The authority shall follow up with all program participants within one month of return to their home states to support their reunification efforts."
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 2019-2020 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 for implementing the return-to-home program, including program costs and staff salaries.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii public housing authority for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2019.
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INTRODUCED
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Report Title:
Homeless; Return-to-Home; Appropriation
Description:
Assists
the homeless in reuniting with family in their home states. Appropriates funds.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
