SB2661

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that according to the 2023 Hawaii Statewide Homeless Point-in-Time Count, there were over 4,028 homeless individuals on Oahu. Despite increased efforts and resources to reduce homelessness in Hawaii, homelessness has remained a significant issue. Homeless individuals often rely on panhandling for income. Citations and jail time for panhandling can be disruptive and exacerbate the problem. Further, it has often been difficult for service providers to connect with homeless individuals and identify the services they need, including mental health or substance abuse treatment.

The legislature recognizes that pilot programs throughout the United States provide homeless individuals with temporary work while providing easy access to services. A pilot program launched in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2015 has received national attention. The program connects homeless individuals with work cleaning up public spaces and is proving to be a success. A similar program introduced in Tucson, Arizona assists homeless individuals with temporary jobs.

The legislature further finds that in Hawaii, some service providers assist homeless individuals with temporary work. However, those programs are limited to small areas, and thus are not available to the vast majority of homeless individuals in communities throughout the State. The legislature also finds that since problems like graffiti and litter remain prevalent throughout Hawaii, the State could employ homeless individuals to help reduce those problems.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a pilot program that:

(1) Assists homeless individuals by providing them temporary jobs in public service; and

(2) Connects homeless individuals with service providers.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established a three-year homeless employment grant program that shall be developed by the department of human services.

(b) The department of human services shall contract with a service provider or other qualified person or entity to administer the program; provided that the contract shall be exempt from chapters 103D and 103F, Hawaii Revised Statutes; provided further that the period of performance of these contracts shall not exceed the three-year term on the homeless employment grant program.

(1) Conduct an assessment to ensure screening for employment barriers, income, skills, and desires;

(2) Connect homeless individuals with work opportunities;

(3) Pay individuals in the program for the hours they work each day, which may include a limited amount of time spent with service providers; provided that the source of funding for the payments shall be the homeless employment grant program's funds;

(4) Assist homeless individuals with shallow funding assistance to remove barriers related to obtaining employment, which may include a limited amount of funds; provided that the source of funding for the payments shall be the homeless employment grant program's funds;

(5) Coordinate with homeless outreach, shelter, and case management services to ensure homeless individuals being served are part of the State's coordinated entry system and can access permanent housing resources;

(6) When appropriate, transport participants in the program to a shelter at the end of the work day; and

(7) Conduct trainings on financial literacy skills that are necessary to manage money and develop long-term self-sufficiency.

(d) The homeless individuals who work pursuant to subsection (c) shall not be considered employees of the State solely as a result of their work in the pilot program.

(e) The State shall be immune from suit and liability for any claim for damage to or loss of property, personal injury, or other civil liability caused, arising out of, or relating to any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred at any stage of the planning and administration of the homeless employment grant program.

(f) The department of human services shall submit a report that includes:

(1) The progress made toward implementing the homeless employment grant program;

(2) Any findings and recommendations; and

(3) Any necessary proposed legislation,

to the legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the regular session of 2025.

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 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 4. 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 the purpose of establishing a three-year homeless employment grant program.

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

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2661
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII