Report Title:

Services for children; emergency appropriation

Description:

Emergency appropriation ($1, 000, 000) in Early Intervention Special Fund monies for FY 2005-2006 for the DOH Healthy Start Program.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2384

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

MAKING AN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION.

 

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

SECTION 1. This Act is recommended by the governor for immediate passage in accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.

SECTION 2. Although funds were appropriated to the department of health for healthy start services for the period beginning July 1, 2005 and ending June 30, 2006, the department of health has a critical need for additional funds.

On May 31, 2005, the State of Hawaii was deemed in compliance with the Felix Consent Decree, marking the end of federal court oversight for services including early intervention services. The department of health must continue to carry out its obligations to provide early intervention services for children age zero to three years with a developmental delay or biological or environmental risk, as mandated by part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-446), section 321-351 to 321-357, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and the Hawaii early intervention state plan. The department must ensure that eligible children and their families receive the services mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act part C that are identified on their individual family support plans.

Appropriated funds will be expended before the end of this fiscal year, due to a decrease in funds used to fund healthy start purchase-of-service programs for home visiting services. These purchase-of-service programs are providing support services to families at risk, to assure healthy and safe child development. To continue services at the present level, an additional $1,000,000 from the Early Intervention Special Fund is needed. The current ceiling for the Early Intervention Special Fund is $4,203,974 for fiscal year 2005-2006. This measure will increase the ceiling by $1,000,000 to $5,203,974.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the early intervention special fund the sum of $1,000,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, for fiscal year 2005-2006 to be used for healthy start purchase of service programs for home visiting services.

SECTION 4. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

BY REQUEST