HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1587

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to Homelessness.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that many homeless persons are known to thrive better when they have ready access to familiar support groups or family members.  In light of this finding, the legislature enacted Act 222, Session Laws of Hawaii 2013, which in part authorized the department of human services to establish a return-to-home pilot program.  The return-to-home pilot program was intended to ensure that those individuals who find themselves homeless in the islands are able to reconnect with support networks ready and able to receive them.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the establishment of the return-to-home pilot program and extend its term for three more years.

     SECTION 2.  Act 222, Session Laws of Hawaii 2013, is amended by amending section 13 to read as follows:

     "SECTION 13.  (a)  The department of human services [may] shall coordinate a voluntary homeless assistance pilot program to be known as the return-to-home pilot program to provide eligible homeless individuals with assistance in being reunited with family and relatives in the individual's home state.  The department [may] shall contract with eligible non-profit organizations, for profit organizations, or foundations to administer the pilot program.

     (b)  No individual who is homeless shall be eligible to participate in the return-to-home pilot program unless:

     (1)  The individual's participation is completely voluntary;

     (2)  The individual, if on parole, probation, or awaiting a court hearing or sentencing, has proper clearance from the court to participate in the pilot program; and

     (3)  The individual is indigent and lacks the financial resources necessary to secure transportation to return to the individual's home state.

     (c)  An individual may participate in the return-to-home pilot program only once and shall sign an agreement to this effect before participating in the pilot program.  The agreement shall be kept on file with the pilot program.

     (d)  The return-to-home pilot program shall actively seek the participation of local airlines, cruise lines, charter companies, homeless programs, travel agencies, and the visitor industry to coordinate and implement the pilot program.

     (e)  The return-to-home pilot program shall assist program participants with necessary and proper preparations for travel, including obtaining proper identification, accessing public transportation to the airport, providing orientation relating to airport security, and ensuring sufficient personal hygiene.

     (f)  The return-to-home pilot program shall cease to exist on December 31, [2016.] 2019."

     SECTION 3.  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 2016-2017 for the implementation of the return-to–home pilot program, including all program costs and hiring of necessary staff.

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

     SECTION 4.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2016.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Homelessness; Return-To-Home Pilot Program; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Human Services to establish the Return-To-Home Pilot Program and extends the pilot program for three years.  Makes an appropriation.

 

 

 

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