HB 625 establishes a state-funded incentive program to attract and retain nationally certified school psychologists in public schools. It directly affects qualified school psychologists by providing financial incentives through appropriated state funds. The bill creates a mechanism where eligible psychologists receive annual payments upon meeting certification and employment requirements. The program is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 3000, and recently passed the Education Committee with 10 supportive votes. This is a funding-based policy change focused on addressing staffing needs in school mental health services.
Establishes and appropriates funds for student transportation coordinators positions within the Department of Education to strengthen student transportation services across the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Expands the scopes of practice for occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech pathologists employed by or contracted with the Department of Education to diagnose students with a medical condition in an educational setting and treat the students. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes the civic education trust fund to support programs benefiting civic education of public school students. Appropriates funds for the expansion of civic education in the public schools and for full-time equivalent permanent civic education resource teacher positions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes an exemption from applicable county permit requirements for repetitive construction projects for facilities under the control of any state department or agency, under certain conditions. Clarifies that, except for projects in special flood hazard areas, contracts for the construction, renovation, or repair of facilities under the control of the Department of Education, University of Hawaii, or School Facilities Authority shall be exempt from county permitting requirements that related off-site improvements be made by the contracting government agency as a condition to the issuance of any permit. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Authorizes the Department of Education to establish a program to award high school diplomas to persons who did not receive a diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services and persons whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Expands the Department of Education's authority to allow more trained staff to volunteer to assist students with the administration of medication. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
HB 627 allocates funds to the Department of Education to hire staff positions focused on implementing and maintaining school safety measures. It directly affects public schools by providing resources to enhance safety protocols through dedicated personnel. The bill’s key provision is the appropriation of funding specifically for these safety-related roles, rather than altering existing safety standards. The measure is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 3000 (note: likely a typo for 2030, per standard legislative dates).
HB 1314 requires all public schools to develop and implement mental health check-in plans for students in grades six through twelve. These plans must be created by schools to regularly assess student well-being and connect students with support services. The bill directly affects all K-12 public schools and their students in the specified grades. It takes effect on July 1, 3000 (note: the year 3000 appears to be a typo in the abstract; the intended year is likely 2030). The bill does not specify funding or detailed procedures for the check-ins.
Requires the Department of Education to implement dyslexia-sensitive universal screenings and evidence-based interventions, offer professional development on structured literacy and evidenced-based interventions, and support pre-teacher programs in training candidates in structured literary instruction. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
