HI HB900

Establishes a working group within the judiciary to improve legal services for youth in Hawaii's child welfare system, building on recommendations from the malama ohana working group created by Act 86 (2023)

Working group must examine legal service practices in other states and conduct at least one site visit to identify models for implementation in Hawaii

Membership includes two family court judges as co-chairs, a supreme court justice or designee, representatives from the attorney general's office, department of human services, guardian ad litem, UH law school, and individuals with lived experience in the child welfare system

Working group must submit a report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation by twenty days before the 2027 legislative session, including plans for a pilot program to provide legal counsel to foster youth

Appropriates an unspecified amount from general revenues for fiscal year 2025-2026 to fund the working group's activities, including site visits and report drafting; working group dissolves June 30, 2026