THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2523
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024		S.D. 1
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) The judiciary shall conduct a study to determine how to implement a program with a start date of July 1, 2025, that provides free child care services to minor children of parties and witnesses who are attending court hearings in the first circuit family court.

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

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 $75,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the judiciary to conduct a study to determine how to implement a program that provides free child care services to minor children of parties and witnesses who are attending court hearings in the first circuit family court.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.

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

Report Title:

Judiciary; Study; Child Care; Witnesses; Parties; First Circuit; Report; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Judiciary to conduct a study to determine how to implement a program that provides free child care services to minor children of parties and witnesses who are attending court hearings in the First Circuit Family Court. Requires the Judiciary to submit a report to the Legislature. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Makes an appropriation. (SD1)

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