HI HB1281

Establishes a three-year Homeless Employment Pilot Program administered by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to connect homeless individuals with work opportunities, provide daily pay, connect participants to housing programs, and link them with service providers.

Participants in the pilot program are not considered state employees and the State is granted immunity from liability for claims arising from the program's planning and administration.

Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to report to the Legislature by 20 days before the 2018 regular session on program progress, findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation.

Directs the State Auditor to conduct a study assessing the impact of using Medicaid funds for treatment of homelessness (behavioral health, case management, personal care, housing services) and report findings by 20 days before the 2018 regular session.

Requires the Department of Human Services to review the Hawaii Pathways Project pilot, pursue Medicaid coverage for supportive housing services for chronically homeless individuals, and report on expansion plans, eligibility criteria, and proposed amendments to the state Medicaid waiver by 20 days before the 2018 regular session.