Report Title:

Respite Care Services; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates moneys to fund respite services for families of individuals with special needs.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

953

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to respite Care services.

 

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

SECTION 1. Persons who provide daily care in their homes for family members with special needs often suffer from physical and emotional stress and isolation, but are unable to afford respite care services. While the State provides funding for some respite care services, the last major appropriation was made in 1990, for $1,000,000.

The legislature finds that the respite care budget has not increased since 1990, and furthermore, several budget cuts made over the years have significantly reduced the funds for respite care. In fiscal year 2000—2001, $624,128 was allocated for respite care, resulting in fewer families being served and less respite hours available. The legislature further finds that for numerous families, the department of health’s respite program is the only available source of support. The respite program allows families to choose their own respite care provider.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for respite care services to families providing home care to a family member with special needs.

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 2003-2004, and the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005, for the provision of respite care services to families, including foster and adoptive families, providing home care to a family member who is:

(1) An infant or toddler (from birth through three years of age) with a developmental delay;

(2) An adult with mental illness;

(3) A child or adolescent with an emotional disability;

(4) A child with a serious chronic illness;

(5) A child or adult with a developmental disability;

(6) An adult with a disability; or

(7) An elderly adult.

SECTION 3. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act; provided that $          , shall be expended by the executive office on aging for elder respite care.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.

INTRODUCED BY:

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