Education (School Funding)

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2897: RELATING TO EDUCATION FUNDING.

Requires the Committee on Weights to develop recommendations for a weighted student formula that achieves resource parity between public schools and independent schools of the State. Requires reports to the Legislature.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires weighted student formula to achieve resource parity between public/independent schools, advancing equitable funding distribution.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding

Track

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

SB 2877: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Department of Education to establish a two-year Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program. Authorizes the Pilot Program to be conducted for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders at up to five Kalihi public elementary schools and up to five Nanakuli-Waianae public elementary schools to be integrated into existing curricula. Appropriates funds. (CD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds for a new education pilot program, directly funding a public service initiative per budget & taxes topic indicators.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds for a student book publication pilot program, expanding K-12 creative learning opportunities at public elementary schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries School Funding

passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 3047: RELATING TO FINANCIAL LITERACY.

Requires the Department of Education to implement financial literacy instruction into existing courses in public high schools that have sufficient overlap with financial literacy program standards beginning in the 2027-2028 school year. Requires the Board of Education to provide professional development to teachers. Authorizes the Board of Education to adopt rules. Appropriates funds. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates state funds for financial literacy education, aligning with fiscal responsibility and funding essential programs per budget/taxes topic indicators.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates financial literacy curriculum integration, funds implementation, and requires teacher professional development - directly advancing educational content and resources in K-12 schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Career & Technical Education School Funding

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 1088: RELATING TO SCHOOL IMPACT FEES.

HB 1088 exempts housing developed by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) from school impact fees. This applies to new DHHL housing projects, removing a fee typically required to fund school infrastructure. The exemption takes effect on July 1, 3000, directly affecting DHHL developments by eliminating this cost. The bill focuses on modifying fee requirements for DHHL housing without altering other school funding mechanisms.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationExempts DHHL housing from school impact fees, removing a dedicated funding source for school infrastructure without alternative funding.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts DHHL housing from school impact fees, reducing development costs to support affordable housing initiatives under DHHL's mission.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 28, 2026

HB 2029: RELATING TO EDUCATION FUNDING.

Requires the Committee on Weights to develop recommendations for a weighted student formula that achieves resource parity between public schools and independent schools of the State. Requires reports to the Legislature.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires weighted student formula for resource parity between public/independent schools, advancing equitable funding through legislative reporting requirements.92% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding

Track

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 15, 2026

HB 2344: RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES.

Establishes a temporary, independent Public School Realignment and Closure Commission to develop and recommend a comprehensive package of school consolidations, realignments, and closures based on the federal Base Realignment and Closure model. Requires reports to the Legislature. Requires an expedited approval process for the recommended school consolidations, realignments, and closures. Appropriates funds. (CD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates funds for school realignment commission, directly funding a state program under budget management per subjects list.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds for school realignment commission to optimize infrastructure via consolidations/closures, aligning with support indicators for facility improvements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding

in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 1783: RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL FACILITIES.

Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish a pilot program to develop three new public schools in areas based on demonstrated need through public-private partnerships. Amends the powers of the School Facilities Authority. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds for public charter school facilities via pilot program, directly funding public infrastructure under budget authority.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds for new public school facilities via public-private partnerships, advancing school infrastructure and access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget School Choice School Funding

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 754: RELATING TO COMMUNITY SCHOOLS.

HB 754 allocates state funds to the Department of Education to support community schools and creates a dedicated program manager position. The bill directly affects community schools by providing financial resources and administrative oversight through the new role. Key provisions include funding for school-based services and a designated manager to coordinate programs. The bill becomes effective July 1, 3000 (as noted in the abstract). This is a funding measure focused on operational support, not policy changes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates state funds to community schools via appropriation, directly increasing budget allocation for public education services.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates state funds to DOE for community schools, creates program manager, and funds school-based services - directly advancing operational support and resources for K-12 community schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget School Funding Student Health

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 408: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

SB 408 allocates state funds to increase per-student education spending to $18,000 annually for public schools. This directly affects all K-12 public school districts receiving state education funding by mandating a higher baseline allocation per enrolled student. The key mechanism is a specific appropriation within the state budget, requiring the Department of Education to distribute these increased funds to school districts. The bill focuses solely on raising the per-pupil expenditure target, without altering educational standards or program requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates increased per-student education funding via state budget appropriation, directly advancing public education spending.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases per-pupil spending to $18k annually, directly boosting state funding for K-12 public schools through mandatory allocation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Government Spending State Budget K-12 Education School Funding

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 288: RELATING TO SCHOOL BUS SERVICES.

Authorizes the Department of Education to use alternative vehicles for student transportation under certain conditions. Allows the Department of Education to institute a staggered school hours program in public schools. Appropriates funds for the purchase of alternative vehicles and individuals to obtain CDL licensure. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds for school bus alternatives and CDL training, directly funding public education transportation services under budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds for school transportation infrastructure (alternative vehicles, CDL licensure), directly supporting educational access and student mobility to schools.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAppropriates funds for alternative vehicles and CDL licensure, directly supporting school transportation infrastructure and safety under DOT/DOE oversight.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding School Transportation Student Health Driver Licensing Public Transit

Track