Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB2116

Introduced
1/26/26  
Refer
1/28/26  
Report Pass
2/11/26  
Refer
2/11/26  
Report Pass
2/19/26  
Refer
2/19/26  
Report Pass
3/5/26  
Engrossed
3/5/26  
Refer
3/10/26  
Refer
3/18/26  
Report Pass
3/30/26  

Caption

Relating To Grants.

Impact

The implementation of HB2116 is set to strengthen local nonprofits by providing essential funds needed to create or expand programs that assist residents in gaining the required community service hours. This could have a significant positive effect on community welfare, enabling a larger segment of the population to qualify for vital federal services. It is a strategic move to not only comply with federal mandates but also to enrich local community involvement through volunteering and engagement.

Summary

House Bill 2116 aims to address changes in federal requirements for eligibility regarding assistance programs such as Medicaid and SNAP, particularly for able-bodied adults without dependents. To ensure residents can meet these new documentation requirements, the bill appropriates funds to the Office of Community Services under the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to provide grants to nonprofit organizations. This support is intended to facilitate volunteer opportunities and skill training that meet the community engagement criteria necessary for program eligibility.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment toward HB2116 appears supportive among legislators who view it as a necessary adjustment to align state initiatives with federal regulations. The focus on empowering nonprofit organizations to help residents could be seen as a proactive approach to mitigate the impacts of stricter eligibility requirements. However, the bill's potential effectiveness will depend on the successful allocation of grants and the active participation of community organizations.

Contention

Some contention might arise regarding the administration and oversight of the grant process, particularly concerning the efficiency and transparency of the evaluation and selection committee established by the bill. Critics may also voice concerns about the sufficiency of the allocated funds in addressing the needs of all eligible residents, as well as ensuring that the grants do not replace existing funding streams. Balancing the needs of the community with the fiscal limitations of grant provision is likely to be a focal point in discussions surrounding the bill.

Companion Bills

HI SB2670

Same As Relating To Grants.

Previously Filed As

HI HB549

Relating To An Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program.

HI HB303

Relating To Healthcare Preceptors.

HI HB712

Relating To Health.

HI HB323

Relating To Teacher Housing.

HI HB1294

Relating To Agricultural Workforce Housing.

HI HB815

Relating To Health Insurance.

HI HB430

Relating To Internships.

HI HB902

Relating To Education.

HI HB903

Relating To Student Health.

HI HB1467

Relating To Housing Resiliency.

Similar Bills

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.