HI SB969

Appropriates $2,400,000 in general funds to the Department of Human Resources Development for fiscal year 2016-2017 to pay workers' compensation claims under Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 386.

Prior appropriations of $6,735,183 (Act 119, 2015) and $666,000 (Act 124, 2016) are being exhausted faster than anticipated due to medical care costs and permanent disability benefits.

Funds are projected to be depleted by April 30, 2017, creating a critical funding crisis that would prevent the state from meeting its legal obligation to pay workers' compensation benefits to injured employees.

Takes effect upon approval as an emergency measure recommended by the governor for immediate passage under the Hawaii Constitution Article VII, Section 9.