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Committee approves HD1 to fund immigration legal representation program with $750,000 note
Summary
The committee passed HB 438 with amendments to create a funding process for immigration-related legal representation; committee notes include an appropriation target of $750,000 and direction to use a request-for-proposal process and partner with law-school clinics and pro bono providers.
The House Committee on Economic Development and Technology voted to pass HB 438 with amendments (HD1) that change how the program would be funded and implemented, add a partnership with the University of Hawaii refugee and immigration law clinic and other law-student programs, and include a committee note aiming for a $750,000 appropriation.
Sunny Ganaden of the Office of the Public Defender testified in support and said existing legal-service providers could minimize costs and that the Office would work with the judiciary on implementation. Danico Ramos, representing the University of Hawaii’s refugee and immigration law clinic, asked the committee to require the judiciary to partner with the law school on education and training programs to build a sustainable pipeline of attorneys; the chair said the committee would add that reference.
The chair explained the HD1 amendment would change the funding distribution to a request-for-proposal (RFP) process and include technical and style edits; the committee note would reference an appropriation of $750,000 and the bill would include a blank appropriation to be filled later. The chair’s recommendation to pass HB 438 with amendments was adopted by the committee.
Why it matters: Proponents said increasing state support for immigration representation increases access to due process and can materially affect outcomes in immigration proceedings. Testifiers referenced research and on-the-ground experience showing representation improves rates of release and relief.
Committee action: HB 438 advanced with HD1, which directs the judiciary to use an RFP process for distributing funds and authorizes partnerships with the law clinic; committee notes included the $750,000 figure for planning and budgeting purposes.
