Report Title:

Commission on Fatherhood; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for the state commission on fatherhood.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2071

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR the commission on fatherhood.

 

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

SECTION 1. Recognizing the important and unique role fathers play in the lives of their children, families, and communities, the legislature established the Hawaii commission on fatherhood in 2003. Act 156, Session Laws of Hawaii 2003, directs the commission to serve in an advisory capacity to state agencies in order to promote healthy family relationships between parents and children. The commission is authorized to make recommendations on programs, services, and contracts relating to children and families. It is attached to the department of human services for administrative purposes.

In order to implement its strategic plan and otherwise fulfill its responsibilities, the commission must hire an executive director and staff. Doing so would enable the commission to:

(1) Complete a statewide analysis of service provision to fathers;

(2) Develop policy recommendations on best practices for serving fathers via state agencies and their service providers;

(3) Develop, support, and advocate for legislation that facilitates father involvement in the lives of children;

(4) Issue an annual report on the status of fatherhood issues in Hawaii;

(5) Operate year-round public awareness campaigns about the importance of father involvement in the lives of children;

(6) Provide information and resources related to effective fathering and the parenting support available to fathers and families;

(7) Present the annual Parent-Friendly Business Award; and

(8) Administer appropriated funds, seek and leverage funds from other sources, and award grants to other organizations.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the state commission of fatherhood.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $122,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to hire an executive director and staff to carry out the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.

INTRODUCED BY:

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