HI HB1381

Establishes a working group within the judiciary to improve family court processes and legal services for youth in Hawaii's child welfare system.

Working group shall review recommendations from the Malama Ohana Working Group (established by Act 86, SLH 2023) related to court processes and counsel for youth.

Working group composition includes two family court judges as co-chairs, judiciary members, attorney general representative, guardian ad litem, law school representative, Malama Ohana members, youth leadership board representatives, three or more youth with lived child welfare experience, and one parent with lived experience.

Working group must submit report to legislature by twenty days before 2026 regular session, including plans for a pilot program to test counsel services model for youth in a selected age range and jurisdiction.

Appropriates general revenue funds for fiscal year 2025-2026 to support the working group, which ceases to exist on June 30, 2026; act takes effect July 1, 2025.