THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1267

TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE EMERGENCY AND BUDGET RESERVE FUND.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that difficult economic times and declining tax revenues have resulted in budget cuts for all state services.  The current and impending situation jeopardizes the safety net of basic human services, health, and education needs for Hawaii's residents and families.

     Pursuant to Act 304, Session Laws of Hawaii 1999, the legislature established the emergency and budget reserve fund as a temporary supplemental source of funding for the state of Hawaii in times of emergency, economic downturn, or unforeseen reduction in revenues.  As set forth in section 328L‑3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, specific purposes for the fund include maintaining levels of programs determined to be essential to public health, safety, welfare, and education.  Act 304 also included certain prohibitions on appropriations from the emergency and budget reserve fund.  Appropriations for the following purposes are specifically prohibited:

     (1)  To meet expenses of the legislature;

     (2)  To provide for salary adjustments for officials appointed pursuant to article V, section 6 or article VI, section 3 of the Hawaii Constitution and for others whose salaries are directly related to salaries of these officials; and

     (3)  To fund cost items in any collective bargaining contract.

     The legislature finds that expenditures from the emergency and budget reserve fund are needed to meet the conditions of emergency, economic downturn, and unforeseen reduction in revenues that the State currently faces.  Further, the legislature finds that the appropriations in this Act are consistent with the purposes of the emergency and budget reserve fund.

     Therefore, given the current economic crisis and concomitant budget deficit, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate moneys from the emergency and budget reserve fund of the state of Hawaii to maintain the levels of programs determined to be essential to education, public health, and public welfare.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the emergency and budget reserve fund of the state of Hawaii the sum of $__________ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year ____ for ____________ services.

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

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

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

BY REQUEST


 


 

Report Title:

Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates moneys from the emergency and budget reserve fund to maintain levels of programs for education, human services, and health.  Effective upon approval.

 

 

 

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