Appropriates funds to the department of public safety for the expansion of work furlough programs and facilities.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The existing work furlough programs and facilities throughout the State are inadequate to meet the needs of qualifying inmates. Work furlough programs provide much needed housing and employment assistance, vocational educational programs, mentoring, counseling, family reunification services, and substance abuse treatment programs for inmates who are preparing for their return to the community. Such programs go a long way toward reducing recidivism by giving them skills, preparing them for reintegration, and installing in participants a sense of pride and responsibility.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of public safety for the expansion of work furlough programs and facilities.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to the department of public safety for the expansion of work furlough programs and facilities.

SECTION 3. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of public safety for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.