HI SB2096

Appropriates funds from general revenues to the Department of Human Services for fiscal year 2018-2019 to implement a foster care maintenance payment system compliant with the federal Child Welfare Act.

Requires increased clothing allowance payments and reimbursement to caregivers and beneficiaries who received inadequate benefit amounts in the past.

Implements settlement agreements from federal case Ah Chong v. McManaman (Civil No. 13-00663-LEK-KSC) and state case Sheehey, et al. v. State of Hawaii (Civil No. 14-1-1709-08-VLC).

Establishes periodic review and update requirements for foster care maintenance payment rates, which had remained largely unchanged since 1990 despite inflation and rising cost of living in Hawaii.

Takes effect on July 1, 2050.