Education

in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 98: RELATING TO AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENTS.

HB 98 authorizes public school complexes to use authentic assessments - such as student projects, presentations, or real-world tasks - instead of traditional tests for classroom performance evaluations. This policy change directly affects public schools and students by shifting how learning is measured in day-to-day teaching. The bill requires schools to incorporate these methods into regular classroom assessments, moving away from standardized testing for certain evaluations. It takes effect on July 1, 3000, as stated in the official abstract.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill replaces standardized testing with project-based assessments, enhancing curriculum flexibility and student evaluation methods per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Testing & Assessment

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SCR 6: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO MAKE AVAILABLE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO THE PUBLIC DURING NON-PEAK HOURS AND NON-SCHOOL DAYS.

This resolution requests Hawaii's Department of Education to open public school recreational facilities (such as pools, gyms, and fields) to the public during non-peak hours and non-school days. It builds on existing rules requiring 10-day advance notice for public use, aiming to improve access for residents - particularly in low-income and rural communities - facing barriers to recreation. The resolution does not create new law but formally asks the Department to expand current access opportunities.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill requests expanded public access to school facilities, improving educational access for underserved communities per summary.90% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 1676: RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

Establishes an Artificial Intelligence in Education Task Force to develop guidelines and recommendations for the use of artificial intelligence in state public education. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds for AI in Education Task Force, directly funding a new program per bill's appropriation clause90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes AI in Education Task Force with funding to develop guidelines for AI use in public schools, enhancing tech integration and procurement standards in education.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes AI task force, mandates vendor documentation, and appropriates funds for AI in education guidelines, promoting responsible AI adoption.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 21, 2026

SB 1010: RELATING TO SEX-BASED DISCRIMINATION.

Clarifies and strengthens the State's protections against sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, and retaliation that occur in public schools, public charter schools, or at the University of Hawaii, including discrimination based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and pregnancy-related conditions. Establishes procedures for investigations and decision-making. Requires mandatory reporting by certain employees.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationStrengthens anti-discrimination protections in schools for gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy, ensuring safe educational environments per Title IX requirements.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentStrengthens protections against sex-based harassment/discrimination in educational workplaces, directly advancing workers' rights under Labor & Employment via mandatory reporting and expanded coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Employment Discrimination

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 1242: RELATING TO HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE IMMERSION EDUCATION.

Requires the Department of Education to implement a plan for a Hawaiian language immersion school in Kapolei that shall be ready to educate students in grades kindergarten through 12 by the 2028-2029 school year. Appropriates moneys.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds to establish a Hawaiian language immersion school (K-12), expanding educational access and cultural programming within public education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 471: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

HB 471 requires the state Board of Education to create Korean language programs in public schools and allocates funding for these initiatives. The bill directly affects school districts, which would implement the programs, and students who would have access to Korean language learning opportunities. Key provisions include mandating the Board to establish the programs and providing dedicated state funds to support their development and operation. This is a substantive policy change focused on expanding language education options, not a procedural measure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates state funds for Korean language programs, directly increasing budget allocation under 'Appropriation ($)' as specified in Subjects.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates dedicated state funds ($ appropriation) to mandate Korean language programs in K-12 schools, expanding curriculum access and educational opportunities.95% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 26, 2026

SB 2224: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, requires each public school in the State, including charter schools, to employ, or retain under contract, at least one mental health professional for every 250 students enrolled, subject to certain conditions. Requires the Department of Education to submit a progress report to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027. Appropriates moneys for the Department of Education to contract for mental health professionals and to establish an unspecified number of full‑time equivalent mental health professional positions within the Department of Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds to require mental health professionals per 250 students, enhancing student mental health support in K-12 schools.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health professionals in schools with funding, directly advancing mental health services per healthcare topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Teachers Healthcare Workforce Mental Health

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signed · Hawaii · House Jul 14, 2026

HB 1894: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Department of Education to include the instruction of braille and provision of braille instructional materials under certain circumstances; provide braille literacy support services; cooperate with the Department of Human Services when requested to submit information necessary to maintain a register of the blind in the State; provide comprehensive information about braille literacy services, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services, including educational programming options; and participate in the development of section 504 plans and individualized education programs. Appropriates funds. (CD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates braille instruction and literacy support services for blind students, directly enhancing educational access and aligning with IEP/504 requirements.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates provision of assistive technology services and devices for braille literacy, promoting digital accessibility and equity in education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Special Education

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 63: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Beginning with the - school year, requires public elementary, middle, and high school classes to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. Requires the Department of Education to adjust state-provided bus and school meal schedules accordingly.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates later school start times (8:30 a.m.) to improve student health/focus, aligning with evidence-based education policies for K-12 well-being.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Safety School Transportation

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 26, 2026

SB 2184: RELATING TO STUDENT ACCESS TO TELEHEALTH SERVICES.

Requires the Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Health, to develop and distribute to each public middle and high school in the State guidelines for the establishment and operation of safe spaces for students to access telehealth services on school property during normal school hours. Requires each public middle and high school to establish and maintain a safe space for students according to the guidelines.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates safe spaces for telehealth access in schools, enhancing student mental health support and educational access during school hours.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates school telehealth access points, expanding student mental health service availability during school hours per bill's requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Safety Student Health Mental Health Telehealth

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