HB 453 Summary

• Establishes a 4-year pilot program within the Department of Human Services to provide housing and child care vouchers to persons who recently completed or will soon complete a term of imprisonment and have sole or primary custody of one or more children under age 18.

• Requires applicants to be Hawaii residents age 18 or older, released from incarceration within 6 months before or after application submission, and to demonstrate verified employment or enrollment in substance abuse treatment, parenting skills, or educational programs.

• Provides full subsidy of demonstrated housing or child care expenses for the first three months, after which participants must contribute a portion of monthly income; vouchers available for up to two years contingent on maintaining at least 20 hours per week of verified employment or combined employment and educational program attendance.

• Requires the Department of Human Services to submit interim reports to the legislature by 20 days prior to the 2025 regular session and final reports by 20 days prior to the 2027 regular session, including applicant numbers by gender, voucher recipient statistics, and compliance data.

• Appropriates unspecified funds from general revenues for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025; pilot program terminates June 30, 2027.