Hawaii House Bill HR52

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/22
• Refer: 3/14/22
• Report Pass: 3/31/22
• Refer: 3/31/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Human Services And Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study On The Feasibility Of Establishing A Program To Provide A Basic Income To Qualified Adults Who Are Verified Victims Of Sex Trafficking Or Who Are Female Or Sexual And Gender Minority Individuals Seeking To Exit The Sex Trade.

Impact

The proposed program aims to provide each qualified individual with a basic monthly income of $2,000 for up to one year, while also considering exemptions from state income taxes and ensuring that these funds do not affect eligibility for other public assistance programs. If implemented, the program could have significant implications for state laws, particularly those governing income assistance and social welfare. The resolution underlines a shift towards viewing victims of sex trafficking not as criminals but as individuals in need of support and assistance, offering a compassionate response to what is often a complex and traumatic experience.

Summary

House Resolution 52 requests the Department of Human Services and the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing a program that provides a basic income to adults who are verified victims of sex trafficking, as well as female and sexual and gender minority individuals seeking to exit the sex trade. The resolution emphasizes the need for alternative support for these individuals, who often face systemic barriers and violence while engaged in the sex trade. It argues that a basic income would help empower them to make choices for themselves outside of this system, addressing wider social justice issues pertaining to gender and socioeconomic disparities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR52 appears largely supportive among its advocates, who view it as a progressive step toward social justice and the protection of marginalized populations in Hawaii. There is an acknowledgment that existing frameworks often fail to address the needs of these individuals adequately. However, the bill may face contention from those who question the feasibility of such a program, concern over potentially incentivizing choices against a backdrop of social stigmas related to sex work, and the broader fiscal implications on state resources.

Contention

Notable points of contention could arise around the financial sustainability of the proposed basic income program, particularly in balancing such expenditures with the state’s budgetary constraints. Additionally, discussions may focus on the broader implications for state law and how this program may recalibrate societal views on sex work and trafficking, potentially leading to legal and policy shifts that aim for a more supportive environment for vulnerable populations. This discussion reflects an ongoing tension between traditional viewpoints on morality and emerging views that prioritize human rights and dignity.