HB 2310 Summary

• Establishes a five-year recidivism prevention pilot program within the judiciary with three components: housing vouchers, child care vouchers, and an income tax credit for employers hiring program participants.

• Restricts program eligibility to Hawaii residents who exited the women's community correctional center, have household income at or below 80% of area median income, and are employed at least 20 hours per week or participate 20+ hours weekly in education, substance abuse, or parenting programs.

• Provides housing vouchers for rent or down payments/mortgage on primary residence and child care vouchers not to exceed specified amounts per child, with aggregate annual assistance capped at $30,000.

• Authorizes employers a tax credit equal to their unemployment insurance contributions paid for program participants, claimable against net income tax liability with unused credits carrying forward to subsequent years.

• Establishes five full-time transition navigator positions within the judiciary to assist individuals exiting the women's correctional center, with reporting requirements to the legislature by 2027; program sunsets July 1, 2027.