Expands the family court's mandatory "Kids First" program to include an emphasis on the importance of the developing parenting program. Appropriates unspecified amount of funds to expand outreach of the "Kids First" program. (SD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Chapter 571, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§571-   Kids first program; expansion of program. The kids first program shall be expanded to emphasize the importance of the development of a parenting plan pursuant to section 571-46.5."

SECTION 2. Section 571-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

""Kids first program" means the mandatory family court program for families going through divorce that is designed to help parents understand the effects of separation and divorce on their minor children and to help minor children cope with changes in their families."

SECTION 3. 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, for expansion of the family court's kids first mandatory education program for divorcing families, to assist and support parents in developing an effective parenting plan and in educating judges, attorneys, and all parties on the intent of Act 244, Session Laws of Hawaii 2005. Expansion of kids first is intended to:

SECTION 4. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.