Makes an appropriation to fund operations of developmental disabilities domiciliary homes and apartment projects for the developmentally disabled. (CD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Developmental disabilities residential service providers provide important residential care services for individuals with developmental disabilities or mental retardation. Presently, the providers of these services are not being adequately reimbursed by the State for the high-quality, community-based residential services they provide to these individuals. As a result, in the last several years providers were forced to close at least nine community-based developmental disabilities residences due to a lack of funding. It is probable that many more of these residential options will be closed if adequate funding is not provided. This situation would deny hundreds of persons with developmental disabilities viable and proven successful community-based residential options. Furthermore, it would aggravate the severe shortage of housing for low-income persons, especially those with developmental disabilities. Without the necessary funding, many viable residential options now operating are likely to close and be lost to the State.

The legislature enacted Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2005, authorizing the department of health to enter into contracts for additional payments for residential services to the providers of developmental disabilities domiciliary homes and operators of developmental disabilities apartment complexes. Act 236, Session Laws of Hawaii 2005, appropriated $485,000 for fiscal year 2005-2006 to implement Act 168; however, no funds have been appropriated for fiscal year 2006-2007 for this purpose.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the maintenance and operations of developmental disabilities domiciliary homes and apartment complexes.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,200,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007 to provide for continued operation of developmental disabilities domiciliary homes and apartment complexes for persons with developmental disabilities.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.