HI HB324

Establishes a Wealth Building Working Group within the Department of Human Services to develop recommendations for a baby bonds program in Hawaii.

Working group shall develop eligibility criteria, analyze Connecticut's baby bonds program and other asset-building programs, coordinate with stakeholders, and estimate program costs.

Working group membership includes the Director of Human Services (chair), Director of Finance, Executive Director of Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, one Senate member, one House member, and representatives from nonprofits focused on children's advocacy and low-income families.

Working group shall submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2026 regular session and shall cease to exist on July 1, 2026.

Purpose is to create a program to reduce intergenerational poverty and wealth inequality by investing in children born into poverty, similar to Connecticut's baby bonds initiative.