Informing the Legislature that on July 1, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2400 HD2 SD2 (ACT 157).

This bill, known as Act 157, addresses a loophole in Hawaii's education system where teachers accused of serious misconduct can resign or retire before investigations conclude, thereby avoiding license revocation. The law mandates that any teacher who quits or retires while under investigation for sexual assault, sexual harassment, or physical abuse of a student must immediately forfeit their teaching license. Furthermore, the bill requires the state to report these license forfeitures to the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification database, ensuring that other states and private schools are aware of the individual's unlicensed status. By closing this gap, the legislation aims to prevent accused educators from continuing to work in schools across different jurisdictions and to protect students from potential harm.