SB2226 HD1

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2226
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE STATE COMMISSION ON FATHERHOOD.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature established the state commission on fatherhood in 2003, in recognition of the important and unique role fathers play in the lives of their children, families, and communities. Act 156, Session Laws of Hawaii 2003, as subsequently amended, directs the commission to serve in an advisory capacity to state agencies to promote healthy family relationships between parents and children. In recognition of its value and the need to continue to promote and support healthy families in Hawaii, in 2007, the legislature established the commission as a permanent entity within the State.

The legislature further finds that it is necessary for the commission to hire an executive director and appropriate staff to implement its strategic plan that includes the following goals and objectives:

(1) Completing a statewide analysis of service provision to fathers;

(2) Developing policy recommendations on best practices for serving fathers via state agencies and their service providers;

(3) Developing, supporting, and advocating for legislation that facilitates the involvement of fathers in the lives of their children;

(4) Operating year-round public awareness campaigns about the importance of the involvement of fathers in the lives of their children;

(5) Providing information, resources, and events related to effective fathering and the parenting support available to fathers and families;

(6) Implementing a parent-friendly business award program;

(7) Administering funds for its work and the work of the organizations it funds through its grant-making activity;

(8) Leveraging additional fatherhood support funds from other sources;

(9) Publishing an annual report on the status of fatherhood issues in Hawaii; and

(10) Identifying and promoting new laws, policies, and best practices to improve the involvement of fathers in children's lives.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to support the operations of the state commission on fatherhood.

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 2008-2009 for the state commission on fatherhood to fund operations, including the hiring of an executive director and staff, establishing an office, and paying travel expenses for neighbor island commissioners.

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

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.