HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1834

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to the department of human services.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that homelessness has and continues to remain a persistent problem throughout the State.  For over ten years there has been no increase in funding for the department of human services' homeless service contracts even as costs for wages, utilities, and all the administrative services of running all businesses have increased.  These contracts are entered into by the State with partner organizations in all counties to provide homeless outreach, shelter, case management, and all of the attendant services to transition homeless individuals from the street to transitional housing and ultimately to some form of supportive or permanent housing.

     The purpose of this Act is to increase the base budget of the department of human services homeless programs office's homeless service contracts to ensure that these organizations can address the high cost of living for their employees to ensure the critical work with Hawaii's homeless populations is maintained.

     SECTION 2.  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 2024-2025 for homeless programs; provided that the appropriated amount is an increase of      per cent over the homeless programs office's base budget of $           for fiscal year 2023-2024.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37‑91 and 37‑93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in H.B. No.    , will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be exceeded by $           or      per cent.  In addition, the appropriation contained in this Act will cause the general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be further exceeded by $           or      per cent.  The combined total amount of general fund appropriations contained in only these two Acts will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be exceeded by $           or      per cent.  The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

     (1)  The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

     (2)  The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

DHS; Homeless Services; Appropriation; Expenditure Ceiling

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to increase the department of human services' homeless programs office budget.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.