HI HR174

Requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a guaranteed universal basic income program for working families in Hawaii, in consultation with the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Human Services; and University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization.

Study must examine potential program structures, eligibility criteria, estimated costs, possible funding sources, and impacts on poverty reduction, economic stability, and workforce participation.

Study must review lessons learned from guaranteed income pilot programs implemented in other states and municipalities and assess the feasibility of a Hawaii pilot program.

Report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation due to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027.

Builds on prior efforts from the 2017 Basic Economic Security Working Group, which examined universal basic income concepts but did not result in a statewide pilot or comprehensive feasibility study.