THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

712

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

S.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO CORRECTIONS.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that a significant proportion of the individuals in the corrections and rehabilitation system have experienced serious trauma during their lifetimes.

     The legislature further finds that corrections professionals who are trained to properly assess and interact with persons who have experienced trauma are better able to engage these persons.  As a result, these persons are more likely to connect with vital services, less likely to commit disciplinary infractions, and tend to experience improved rehabilitation and reduced rates of recidivism.

     The legislature further finds that the establishment of a level I trauma-informed certification program may help to ensure that the State's corrections professionals are properly trained in trauma-informed care.  Award of a program certificate would require the completion of three courses, including a basic trauma-informed care course for adult corrections officers, especially those assigned to the women's community correctional center.  The trauma-informed care course would be based upon an existing course implemented by Windward community college for mental health technicians at Hawaii state hospital, and thus has already been proven successful.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate moneys to Windward community college to support a level I trauma-informed certification program for adult corrections officers in the State.

     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 2023-2024 to support a level I trauma-informed certification program at Windward community college for adult corrections officers; provided that:

     (1)  Courses shall be offered in eight-week or sixteen‑week-long blocks during the 2023-2024 academic year;

     (2)  Eligible courses shall be offered at no cost to adult corrections officers employed by the department of public safety;

     (3)  The certificate shall require completion of a level I trauma-informed care course designed for adult corrections officers; and

     (4)  Moneys appropriated may be used for instructor costs, tuition, supplies, books, any necessary class materials, speaker fees, travel by instructors to correctional facilities to provide skills-building workshops, and other expenses.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.


 


 

Report Title:

Adult Corrections Officers; UH; Windward Community College; Trauma-informed Certification Program; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates moneys to support a trauma-informed certification program at the Windward Community College campus of the University of Hawaii for adult corrections officers.  Requires the curriculum to include a level I trauma-informed care course designed for adult corrections officers.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD2)

 

 

 

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