SB2427

Report Title:

Felix Consent Decree; Development of Linked Accounting System

 

Description:

Requires the DOE to develop a linked accounting system that will enable state auditors and accountants and the legislature to determine the cost of Felix-related services with a generally acceptable degree of precision. Appropriates funds.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2427
TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to the felix consent decree.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the cost of Felix-related services to the State of Hawaii cannot be determined with a generally acceptable degree of precision, in part, because state accounting systems were not designed--and have not been subsequently redesigned--to produce this kind of detailed information. For example, the department of education is unable to separate comprehensive student support system costs, special education costs, the cost of mental health services, and the cost of other related services with a degree of precision acceptable to the legislature. As a result, the legislature cannot be certain whether the cost of Felix-related services is increasing or decreasing.

Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of education to develop a linked accounting system that will enable state auditors and accountants and the legislature to determine the cost of Felix-related services with a generally acceptable degree of precision.

SECTION 2. Act 259, Session Laws of Hawaii 2001, is amended by adding two new sections to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"EDUCATION

SECTION 54A. Provided that of the general fund appropriation for state and district administration (EDN 300) for fiscal year 2002-2003, the sum of $        , shall be expended to:

(1) Develop a linked accounting system that will enable state auditors and accountants and the legislature to determine the cost of Felix-related services with a generally acceptable degree of precision;

(2) Utilize, on a retrospective basis, the accounting system developed under paragraph (1) to determine the cost of Felix-related services to the department of education and the State of Hawaii; and

(3) Submit a report to the legislature, not less than twenty days before the convening of the regular session of 2004, concerning the cost of Felix-related services to the department of education and the State of Hawaii.

SECTION 54B. Provided that of the general fund appropriation for comprehensive school support services (EDN 150) for fiscal year 2002-2003, the sum of $        , shall be expended to:

(1) Develop a linked accounting system that will enable state auditors and accountants and the legislature to determine the cost of Felix-related services with a generally acceptable degree of precision;

(2) Utilize, on a retrospective basis, the accounting system developed under paragraph (1) to determine the cost of Felix-related services to the department of education and the State of Hawaii; and

(3) Submit a report to the legislature, not less than twenty days before the regular session of 2004, concerning the cost of Felix-related services to the department of education and the State of Hawaii."

SECTION 3. Before October 1, 2002, the department of education shall contract the services of an independent, impartial certified public accountant to develop, utilize, and report on the linked accounting system described in section 1. The name of the certified public accountant shall be reported by the superintendent of education to the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives not more than five days after the contract is executed by the department of education.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________