HI SB3293

Establishes a five-year recidivism prevention pilot program within the judiciary with three components: housing vouchers, child care vouchers, and employer income tax credits to assist individuals exiting the women's community correctional center for two years post-release.

Program participants must be Hawaii residents earning no more than 80% of area median income, employed at least 20 hours per week, and either working or participating in education, substance abuse, or parenting programs.

Housing vouchers may be used for rent or down payment/mortgage payments on a primary residence (participant cannot own other residential property); child care vouchers assist with fees at licensed child care facilities for participants with child custody.

Employers receive income tax credits equal to their unemployment insurance contributions paid for qualified employees who were released from incarceration within the past two years, have custody of children under 18, and work 20+ hours weekly; credits available for up to two years post-release.

Aggregate voucher assistance capped at $30,000 per fiscal year; judiciary to submit findings and recommendations to legislature by 2027; program includes five full-time transition navigator positions; effective July 1, 3000 and repeals July 1, 2027.