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Bill Summary · SB 797

Legislative bill overview

SB 797 is a Hawaii bill introduced by Karl Rhoads and Stanley Chang that addresses supplemental security income (SSI) matters. The bill was introduced in January 2025, passed first reading, and is currently carried over to the 2026 regular session for further consideration in the Health and Human Services and Ways and Means committees.

Why is this important

Supplemental Security Income is a federal program providing cash assistance to elderly, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources. Hawaii-specific SSI legislation typically addresses state supplementation, eligibility determinations, or program administration—issues directly affecting vulnerable populations' access to basic living assistance in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Expansions to SSI eligibility or benefit levels require state funding, which may face budget constraints or competing priorities
  • Federal-state coordination: SSI involves complex federal-state interaction; state changes must comply with federal guidelines while potentially creating administrative complexity
  • Eligibility standards: Any changes to income/resource limits or categorical eligibility could shift which residents qualify, benefiting some while potentially excluding others

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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