HI SCR70

Requests the Department of Human Services to establish a one-year pilot program providing basic income to qualified adults who are sex trafficking victims or female/sexual and gender minority individuals seeking to exit the sex trade.

Target enrollment of 250 applicants who must be Hawaii residents age 18 or older and provide documentation from a nonprofit organization or community-based program verifying their status.

Each qualified applicant receives $2,000 monthly for up to one year, exempt from state income taxes and excluded from consideration for public assistance eligibility determinations.

Program applicants are not required to seek employment or further education, and their personal information must be kept confidential within the Department of Human Services.

Department must terminate the pilot program after one year and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2024 Regular Session.