Yesterday, Governor Josh Green signed several education and early-education-related bills into law.

In a statement Governor Green said, “These new laws will provide additional support to advance the efforts of many throughout our public school system, to educate students. Nearly 169,000 students were enrolled in public and charter schools during the 2022 to 2023 school year. A number like that highlights the need for sound policies and support systems, sufficient funding, and resources for employees to ensure quality teaching and learning. Clearly, our students of today, are our leaders, our workforce and our parents of tomorrow, and it is our kuleana to set them up for success.”

At yesterday’s ceremony, the Governor signed four bills adding to the seven education bills detailed below.

 SB941 (Act 172) authorizes the School Facilities Authority to partner with public and private agencies to develop housing on- or off-campus for teachers, other educators and staff, and to develop classrooms.

HB960 (Act 175) places prekindergarten facilities within the authority of the DOE School Facilities Authority and transfers $200 million in general funds to the School Facilities Special fund for FY 2023-24. The funds will expand access to Pre-K to eligible children.

HB503 (Act 174) acknowledges the importance of computer science in an increasingly technology-driven world, by requiring the Board of Education to determine whether making computer science a graduation requirement would be in the best interests of public school students and the public; and if so, to work with the Department of Education to analyze a timeline and process for making computer science a graduation requirement by no later than the 2030-2031 school year.

SB1344 (Act 173) amends to ‘school health assistants,’ the former term ‘school health aides,’ to better reflect changes to the job title. The new law allows administration of medication to public school students by school health assistants, with the approval of a health care professional within the Department of Education, Department of Health, or a health care service pursuant to a written agreement with the Department of Education.

Additional education- and early education-related bills signed by Governor Green include:

 SB7 HD1 CD1, (Act 165) Relating to the School Facilities Authority

School Facilities Authority Pilot Program

Makes necessary amendments to clarify certain references to the School Facilities Authority used in section 302A-1151.1, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes. (CD1)

 

SB105 HD1 CD1, (Act 166) Relating to Education

Special education autism IEPs

Changes the Department of Education’s quarterly report requirement on autism spectrum disorder to an annual report. (CD1)

 

SB1340 SD2 HD2 CD1, (Act 167) Relating to the Practice of Behavior Analysts

Reinstates the exemption from the behavior analyst licensing requirements for certain teachers working in collaboration with a licensed behavior analyst or licensed psychologist. Expands the exemption for registered behavior technicians to implement applied behavior analysis services under the direction of a licensed psychologist. Reinstates the exemption from the behavior analyst licensing requirements for individuals who implement applied behavior analysis services to participants in the Medicaid home and community-based services waiver program. Requires the Department of Education to report to the Legislature on the implementation of Medicaid reimbursements for applied behavior analysis services. (CD1)

 

HB1045 HD1 SD1 CD1, (Act 165) Relating to Education

Transfer students, emancipated minors, homeless students

Requires a minor student’s parent or legal guardian, rather than the student, to produce the required student records when transferring schools. Clarifies that emancipated minors may produce the required student records when transferring schools. Clarifies that the transfer process is the same whether a transfer is within the same complex area or to another complex area. Exempts students eligible for assistance provided under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 from producing required student records when transferring schools. Effective 1/1/2024. (CD1)

 

Early Education Bills

SB239 SD2 HD3 CD1, (Act 169) Relating to Early Learning Accreditation

Requires the Department of Human Services to establish a Child Care Accreditation Program to assist licensed and registered child care providers obtain accreditation. Authorizes the use of the Child Care Grant Program Special Fund for Child Care Accreditation Program grants. Extends the deadlines by which existing Preschool Open Doors Program service providers are required to commence the accreditation process and obtain accreditation. Appropriates funds for the Child Care Accreditation Program, including the establishment of one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position for the program. (CD1)

SB1022 HD1 CD1, (Act 170) Relating to the Early Learning Board

Amends the composition and qualifications of the Early Learning Board to consist of individuals from each county, instead of from particular entities or types of providers. Establishes general qualifications for the members of the Early Learning Board appointed by the Governor. (CD1)

 

HB961 HD1 SD2 CD1, (Act 171) Relating to Early Learning

Expand Preschool Open Doors to 3-year-olds

Expands the types of entities from which a Preschool Open Doors service provider may obtain accreditation. Beginning 1/1/2024, expands the Preschool Open Doors Program application process to eligible 3year-old children. (CD1)

 

Photo credit: Office of Governor Green