HB 2142 Summary

• Renames the "Preschool Grant Program Special Fund" to the "Child Care Grant Program Special Fund" and expands its use to support both new and existing child care facilities, not just preschools.

• Adds federal funds as an eligible fund source for the Child Care Grant Program Special Fund, alongside donations, legislative appropriations, revenues, and earnings.

• Changes the annual legislative report deadline for both the Preschool Open Doors Special Fund and Child Care Grant Program Special Fund from August 31 to twenty days prior to the start of the next legislative session.

• Removes the authority for departments to expend funds from these special funds "without appropriation" to comply with section 5 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution, while retaining the ability to expend "without allotment."

• Adds new provisions requiring grants to be disbursed through contracts and establishing a definition of "grant" as an award of funds to support recipient activities and community benefits.