Hawaii House Bill HB1023

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Relating To Funding Adjustments For State Programs.

Impact

The proposed emergency appropriations are designed to be budget neutral, meaning that while new funds will be allocated, they will not impact the overall state budget negatively. This is significant for ensuring that essential services and programs continue to operate without interruption. The bill also adjusts funding for various programs to align with their anticipated levels of activity, thereby seeking to create a more responsive fiscal environment that can adapt to changing conditions within the state's operational needs.

Summary

House Bill 1023 addresses funding adjustments for state programs in Hawaii. The bill seeks to correct the issue arising from the repeal of an earlier budget proviso that allowed state departments to transfer funds between their programs. Since this provision was repealed, many departments face significant funding emergencies, particularly regarding the fourth quarter of the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The bill aims to appropriate additional general funds as emergency appropriations to ensure that existing programs can continue to function effectively despite these financial constraints.

Contention

While the bill appears to be a necessary measure for handling unforeseen budgetary issues, there may be potential points of contention related to how these funds are appropriated and the criteria for adjusting funding levels. Concerns may arise regarding transparency in the allocation of these emergency funds and whether certain programs might be favored over others due to political considerations. The balance of ensuring adequate funding while addressing governmental operational flexibility will likely be a topic of discussion among legislators.