S.B. No. 398 Summary

• Directs the Department of Human Services, in partnership with the State Procurement Office, to establish and implement a training program on government procurement and relevant procedures for nonprofit organizations offering homeless outreach services or managing homeless housing programs in rural areas of Hawaii.

• Appropriates $120,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2019-2020 to fund the training program, with funds to be expended by the State Procurement Office.

• Addresses the legislature's finding that nonprofit organizations need clearer understanding of state procurement systems, proposal processes, and bid procedures to effectively work with government agencies on homelessness initiatives.

• Recognizes that while homeless outreach services and housing programs are robust in urban areas, they are lacking in rural areas of the State.

• Takes effect on July 1, 2019.