SB2352 SD1

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2352
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that according to the National Council on Disabilities, forty-four per cent of recipients of temporary assistance for needy families are individuals with disabilities. Further, almost twenty per cent of recipients of temporary assistance for needy families are parents of children with disabilities. These recipients critically need services addressing the needs of persons with disabilities along with the needs of those for whom learning has been a lifelong struggle.

The legislature further finds that there is a need in Hawaii to work toward establishing linkages and strengthening existing ties between different services for teenagers with disabilities. This should include assistance to teenage parents that would facilitate their transition to adulthood, such as vocational rehabilitation services. Temporary assistance for needy families funds are also needed to create interagency linkages designed to help teenagers meet program rules. This includes coordination between school systems and agencies that provide disability services. This also includes the provision of other service supports. As an example, this would enable a teenage parent who receives supplemental security income to obtain child care or transportation through the temporary assistance for needy families program.

Some individuals with disabilities require program modifications and support services to participate in and benefit from education and training programs. These individuals require assistance to enable them to fulfill temporary assistance for needy families work requirements. The need for adequate screening and assessment is particularly acute for applicants and recipients with disabilities. Without this screening, it is unlikely that certain disabilities will be identified and appropriate program placements and program supports will be provided.

Finally, the State should provide access to assistance and expertise for individuals with disabilities who are unable to navigate the existing benefits application processes or procedures for challenging sanctions, are unable to fulfill work requirements, or need exemptions from work requirements.

SECTION 2. The department of human services shall establish a three-year pilot project beginning with fiscal year 2008-2009 to conduct and expand asset building classes statewide to serve individuals with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities in developing skills regarding:

(1) Linkages with existing community resources;

(2) Assessment and training on assistive technology;

(3) Career exploration; and

(4) Basic computer literacy.

The department of human services may enter into contracts pursuant to chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to carry out the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of temporary assistance for needy families funds the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for the department of human services to establish a three-year pilot project, beginning with fiscal year 2008-2009, to conduct and expand asset building classes statewide for individuals with disabilities and parents of children disabilities.

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

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.