HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2242
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to A senior advocate PROGRAM.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's senior population is quickly growing. In 2015, persons sixty-five years of age or older comprised more than sixteen per cent of the population. This figure is expected to reach twenty-two per cent by 2030. The legislature also finds that nearly twenty per cent of Hawaii's seniors live alone. While a person should not be considered vulnerable merely because of advanced age, the legislative believes that seniors are at greater risk of isolation and abuse.

The legislature further finds that other states have programs in which unpaid volunteers from the community are trained by the court to assist seniors who are unable to handle their personal affairs or protect their own interests, or just need a friend to confide in. Volunteers may assist by monitoring finances, health care, and other areas of concern. Volunteers may also investigate whether a vulnerable senior is an appropriate candidate for a guardianship and ensure compliance with court orders after a guardianship has been established. Rather than duplicate existing court efforts, these volunteers provide valuable oversight by assisting the court with additional insights and information about the senior's situation. The legislature believes that Hawaii's seniors would greatly benefit from this type of program.

The purpose of this Act is to require the judiciary to study the feasibility of establishing a volunteer-based senior advocate program in the family courts of the State that would complement existing efforts to assist persons involved in adult protective proceedings pursuant to chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

SECTION 2. (a) The judiciary shall study the feasibility of establishing a volunteer-based senior advocate program in the family courts of the State that would complement existing efforts to assist persons involved in adult protective proceedings pursuant to chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes. The factors to be studied shall include:

(1) Screening of program volunteers, including criminal history record checks;

(2) Volunteer training and certification requirements and procedures;

(3) Program rules and operating procedures; and

(4) Financial costs associated with:

(A) Acquisition of office space or other physical facilities necessary to operate the program;

(B) Training and certification of volunteers;

(C) Reimbursement to volunteers for transportation, parking, or other expenses incurred in the performance of volunteer duties; and

(D) Other forseeable operational costs.

(b) The judiciary shall submit a report of its feasibility study, including its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation regarding the factors specified in subsection (a), to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2020.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Seniors; Senior Advocate Program; Judiciary; Feasibility Study

Description:

Requires the judiciary to study the feasibility of establishing a volunteer-based senior advocate program in the family courts of the State that would complement existing efforts to assist persons involved in adult protective proceedings pursuant to chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Requires a report to the 2020 Legislature.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.