Bill Text: HI HB2357 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Compact of Free Association; Bill For Services
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-02-10 - (H) The committee(s) recommends that the measure be deferred. [HB2357 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2010-HB2357-Introduced.html
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2357 |
|
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RElating to Government services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The Compact of Free Association Act of 1985, P.L. 99-239, between the Federated States of Micronesia and the United States, provides for economic assistance, including eligibility for certain federal programs, defense of the Federated States of Micronesia, and other benefits in exchange for operating rights in the Federated States of Micronesia, denial of access to Federated States of Micronesia by other nations, and other obligations. The Compact of Free Association Act also allows for the people from the Federated States of Micronesia to travel and legally reside in the United States.
As the closest state to the Federated States of Micronesia, Hawaii is the main entry point for Micronesians into the United States. The Micronesians, however, have a difficult time adjusting to Hawaii's high costs of living. As a result, many Micronesians require assistance from state programs, specifically homeless services and assistance. At any given time, seventy-five to ninety per cent of the homeless population in the State is Micronesian. Supporting this population is costly to the State. The legislature finds that the State is reimbursed by the federal government for these services at a paltry rate of ten cents for every dollar. Efforts to increase the reimbursement amount have not been successful. In an effort to reduce the costs of assisting the Micronesian population, especially during these austere economic times, and considering the minimal tax support that the Micronesian population provides, it is incumbent upon the State to investigate alternative methods of financing this cost.
The purpose of this Act is to allow the Hawaii public housing authority to bill the Federated States of Micronesia for the homeless services rendered to their people residing in the State.
SECTION 2. Chapter 356D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part VII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§356D- Homeless services; Federated States of Micronesia; reimbursement. (a) The authority may seek reimbursement from the Federated States of Micronesia for homeless services provided under this chapter to individuals covered under the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985, P.L. 99-239. Reimbursement may be in the form of a bill or other request for payment as determined by the authority.
(b) The authority may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to effectuate this section."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
|
INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
|
|
|
Report Title:
Compact of Free Association; Bill For Services
Description:
Allows the Hawaii public housing authority to bill the home nations of individuals covered under the Compact of Free Association for homeless services and assistance.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
