HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2157
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

MAKING AN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR COVID-19 VACCINATIONS.

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

SECTION 1. This Act is recommended by the governor for immediate passage in accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.

SECTION 2. Vaccinations are a critical intervention that dramatically decrease the health impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The current COVID-19 omicron variant is significantly more tranmissable than previous variants. Studies have demonstrated the tremendous importance of vaccinations in both reducing the severity of illness as well as the transmission of disease.

Current federal funding from the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency will expire in March 2021. Additional state funds are needed to support community vaccination efforts through April, May, and June 2021.

Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to make an emergency appropriation for fiscal year 2021-2022 to provide resources for the department of health and community partners to respond effectively.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $12,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2021-2022 for surge-response vaccination activities.

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

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________
	BY REQUEST

Report Title:

Emergency Appropriation; Department of Health

Description:

Makes an emergency appropriation to provide funds to support COVID vaccination activities. Effective upon approval.

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