HI HB775

Establishes a 5-year social workers for public safety pilot program within the Department of Public Safety to deploy social workers or human service professionals alongside law enforcement officers responding to incidents involving unsheltered persons, substance use disorders, or mental health crises.

Authorizes social workers to respond to calls involving disorderly conduct, substance use disorder, mental health crisis, or homelessness, with participation by detained persons being voluntary and alternative to arrest or citation if deemed appropriate by law enforcement and the social worker.

Requires the Department of Public Safety to notify the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Department of Human Services, Public Defender, county prosecutors, Hawaii State Bar Association criminal justice section, and homeless service providers once the program becomes operational.

Appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to establish 5 full-time equivalent public safety social worker or human service professional positions.

Program sunsets on July 1, 2026; requires interim reports to the legislature before regular sessions in 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027, and a final report by 2028 with recommendations on program efficacy and whether to make it permanent.