Human Services and Homelessness

Expands the services eligible for Medicaid Prospective Payment System reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules for this purpose and seek federal approvals as necessary. Specifies that implementation is contingent upon and only to the extent approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

SCR 9 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii counties to freeze property taxes on the primary residences of homeowners aged 75 and older. This would directly assist elderly homeowners, who face financial strain from Hawaii's high cost of living and fixed incomes, by reducing a major recurring expense. The freeze would apply only to primary residences and end if the property is sold, transferred, or the homeowner is no longer the owner. The resolution is addressed to county officials to encourage voluntary action but does not require counties to implement the policy.

This bill requests a feasibility study to explore establishing a guaranteed universal basic income program for working families in Hawaii. The study will be conducted by the Legislative Reference Bureau in consultation with state departments and the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. It will examine program structures, costs, potential impacts on poverty and workforce participation, and lessons from similar programs elsewhere. The final report with recommendations is due before the 2027 legislative session.

This bill requests that the Legislative Reference Bureau conduct a feasibility study on creating a guaranteed universal basic income program for working families in Hawaii. The study will be carried out in collaboration with state agencies and the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization to assess the practicality of such a program. Key areas of analysis include potential program structures, estimated costs and funding sources, impacts on poverty and workforce participation, and lessons from similar programs in other locations. The final report with findings and recommendations is due to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Human Services to form a task force to study how to allow two unrelated private-pay individuals to live together in community care foster family homes. Currently, state law generally restricts these homes to one private-pay client at a time, or two only if they are married or in a civil union. The task force will examine ways to simplify application processes for couples and potentially expand housing options for unrelated individuals while considering impacts on Medicaid recipients. The group will include representatives from health services, care home organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, and must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.