HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1499
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO FAMILY LITERACY.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii's children and families benefit immensely from participation in literacy programs.  Literacy programs primarily assist children with learning to read, however, these prevention programs also serve to bridge the gap between home and school in Hawaii's community by building stronger family relationships, improving the academic tone within homes, and changing family attitudes toward school.

     The benefits of family literacy programs are evident in the work of existing nonprofits.  For example, Read Aloud America is a Hawaii nonprofit that brings children and parents together in local schools and motivates them to read.  Since 1999, Read Aloud America has served eighty-nine Hawaii public schools and over 328,000 adults and children.  In addition to parents increasing their own reading time, eighty-seven per cent of parents who participated in the program reported that their children's voluntary reading time had increased, and seventy-one per cent reported their children spent less time with electronic media.  Teachers also see encouraging results and have reported positive changes in student behavior, increased interest in reading, and improved home to school relationships.

     Read to Me International is another example of an existing local organization committed to improving child literacy.  Active on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Molokai, and Kauai, this nonprofit collaborates with community volunteers to educate families about the importance of reading aloud to children and of raising children who value reading.

     The legislature further finds that child literacy programs which have previously been supported by funds from the department of human services are currently suffering from a lack of state funding.  The governor's council for literacy was established in 1987 to work toward a literate Hawaii, and Hawaii's families continue to need education and resources to help children learn to read and to encourage families to become more engaged in their local schools and community.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a statewide literacy program under the department of human services, and to appropriate funds for its establishment.  By utilizing existing programs and collaborating with nonprofit groups to provide direct services to Hawaii's families, the department of human services will administer a literacy program that supports a bright future for Hawaii's children and families.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§346‑    Statewide literacy program. (a)  There shall be established within the department a statewide literacy program to help increase Hawaii's literacy rates and benefit Hawaii's children and families.  The department shall administer the literacy program.

(b)  The department may contract with third-party organizations and nonprofit organizations to assist with implementing the statewide literacy program."

     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 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for the department of human services to establish a statewide literacy program, including all program costs and hiring of any necessary staff.

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

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Family Literacy; Department of Human Services; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a statewide literacy program under DHS.  Allows direct services to be provided by existing programs and nonprofits.  Makes an appropriation.

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