HI SB2395

Authorizes the Department of Human Services to establish or contract with a victim service provider to operate and manage a sex trafficking emergency shelter providing housing and services to eligible victims.

Limits individual victim residence at the shelter to a maximum of 30 days and grants the shelter operator authority to determine victim eligibility and discharge in consultation with relevant agencies and organizations.

Exempts compensation received by victim service providers for operating the shelter from state taxation under chapter 237 beginning January 1, 2019.

Allows county mayors to exempt shelter operators from real property taxes, water and sewer development fees, utility rates, and other county taxes or charges by executive order.

Requires victim service providers to submit annual financial reports to the department; failure to report is grounds for contract termination, and appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2018-2019 to establish or operate the shelter.