HI SB1245

Appropriates $1,500,000 from general revenues for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 to fund the Hawaii home visiting program.

Appropriates an additional $1,500,000 from the Hawaii tobacco settlement special fund for the same fiscal years to support the program.

Directs the Department of Health to expend funds to maintain home visiting services in priority high-risk neighborhoods including the Waianae coast, Kalihi, downtown Honolulu, Hilo-Puna on Hawaii island, and high-risk areas of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai, and West Hawaii.

Establishes that the Hawaii home visiting program provides hospital-based screening and evidence-based services to families with newborns to identify and address health and safety concerns, reduce child abuse and neglect, and improve early childhood development.

Takes effect July 1, 2015.