Rep. Stacelynn K.M. Eli

Establishes within the Department of Human Services a 4-year pilot program to provide housing and child care vouchers to qualified applicants who will soon complete, or have recently completed, a term of imprisonment as a sentenced offender, and who have or will have sole or primary custody of 1 or more children under the age of 18. Requires a voucher recipient to be employed at least 20 hours per week or be employed and attend an educational program for a combined total of at least 20 hours per week. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys.

Establishes a shortage differential salary incentive program within the department of education to provide shortage differential pay for teachers working in special education, hard-to-staff locations, and Hawaiian immersion positions. Provides automatic step increases in teacher salaries for each year of satisfactory service completed by public school teachers. Increases the amount of time available to teachers for planning, preparation, and collaboration.

Establishes Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts for all working taxpayers. Defines qualifying individuals and eligible expenses. Outlines the requirements and limitations of the accounts. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2022

Establishes the kuleana special fund to support the preservation of natural, cultural, and environmental resources that are impacted by the tourism industry. Requires the Hawaii tourism authority to create educational videos and informational material and coordinate with government entities, organizations, and private businesses to market and disseminate the videos and material to everyone arriving in the State. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 06/30/2027.

Establishes a 1-year pilot program within the Department of Human Services to provide a basic monthly income of $2,000 for up to 1 year, to qualified persons who are verified victims of sex trafficking, or who are female or sexual and gender minority individuals seeking to exit the sex trade. Requires the Department to keep confidential the personal information of applicants and program participants. Appropriates moneys. Requires report to the Legislature.

Establishes an exemption from mediation in paternity proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Amends the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings by disallowing mediation when there are allegations of domestic violence.

Prohibits any person from presetting commercial beach equipment on beaches encumbered with easements in favor of the public.

Repeals referral and reporting requirements for the Family Courts and the Department of Human Services that apply to cases in which a temporary restraining order is sought for alleged domestic abuse involving an incapacitated or minor family or household member.

Authorizes supplemental categorical funding for remote schools. Appropriates funds.

Changes the name of the offense of negligent homicide to vehicular homicide. Recategorizes the penalty categories for each of the three degrees of the offense to the next highest level of severity.