SB248 SD1

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	248
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE STATE commission on fatherhood.

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

SECTION 1. Recognizing the important and unique role fathers play in the lives of their children, families, and communities, the legislature established the Hawaii commission on fatherhood (commission) in 2003. Act 156, Session Laws of Hawaii 2003, as amended by Act 148, Session Laws of Hawaii 2005, and Act 232, Session Laws of Hawaii 2006, directs the commission to serve in an advisory capacity to state agencies in order to promote healthy family relationships between parents and children. The commission is authorized to make recommendations on programs, services, and contracts relating to children and families. It is attached to the department of human services for administrative purposes.

In order to implement its strategic plan and otherwise fulfill its responsibilities, the commission must hire an executive director and staff. Doing so will enable the commission to:

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

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

(3) Develop, support, and advocate for legislation that facilitates father involvement in the lives of children;

(4) Issue an annual report on the status of fatherhood issues in Hawaii;

(5) Operate year-round public awareness campaigns about the importance of father involvement in the lives of children;

(6) Provide information and resources related to effective fathering and the parenting support available to fathers and families;

(7) Present the annual Parent-Friendly Business Award; and

(8) Administer appropriated funds, seek and leverage funds from other sources, and award grants to other organizations.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the state commission of 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 2007-2008, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009, for the state commission on fatherhood to hire an executive director and staff.

The sums 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, 2007.