HI SB2703

Establishes a grant program in the Department of Agriculture to assist beginning farmers and ranchers with operating, start-up, and organization costs for commercial farm or ranch operations.

Requires applicants to provide a minimum 50 percent match of funds and limits individual grants to a maximum of $15,000.

Restricts eligibility to applicants who have not farmed or ranched commercially previously or have been doing so for less than two years, and who have obtained all required business, tax licenses, and permits.

Prohibits grant use for entertainment purposes and requires compliance with all federal and state non-discrimination laws; grants subject to state agency monitoring and audit requirements.

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal year 2020-2021 to develop and administer the program, with any unexpended balance lapsing on June 30, 2022.