THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2523
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to child care.

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

SECTION 1. (a) There is established within the judiciary a three-year pilot program to provide free child care services to minor children of parties and witnesses who are attending court hearings in the first circuit; provided that the free child care services shall only be offered in an area designated by the judiciary.

(b) The judiciary shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations regarding the pilot program, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than forty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2025, 2026, and 2027.

SECTION 2. 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 Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent. This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only. 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 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $400,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the judiciary to establish a pilot program to provide free child care services to minor children of parties and witnesses who are attending court hearings in the first circuit.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act; provided that this appropriation shall not lapse at the end of fiscal year 2024-2025; provided further that all moneys that are unencumbered as of June 30, 2027, shall lapse as of that date.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Judiciary; Pilot Program; Child Care; Witnesses; Parties; First Circuit; Report to the Legislature; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Judiciary to establish a three-year pilot program to provide free child care services to minor children of parties and witnesses who are attending court hearings in the first circuit. Requires the Judiciary to submit reports to the Legislature. 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.