SB2861 SD2 – Relating to the Office of Wellness and Resilience
SB2861 SD2 establishes the Kakou Pilot Program within the Office of Wellness and Resilience to assist families and children in need. This bill also expands eligibility for the already existing Child Wellness Incentive program, to include families that are ineligible for state Medicaid benefits.
Result: Passed with Amendments. Adopted language from the Department of Human Services to clarify eligibility for the pilot program and provide the Office of Wellness and Resilience a one-year planning period.
State Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz noted that since introducing Act 291 (SLH2022), which created the Office of Wellness and Resilience, he has worked closely with OWR Director Hartsock to build a model that other states could adopt. It has been their shared goal to support initiatives that have assisted families and children in need.