Education

signed · Hawaii · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2125: RELATING TO TEACHER LICENSING.

Allows the Department of Education and charter schools to hire unlicensed individuals as teachers on an emergency basis for five, rather than three, years. Requires that unlicensed teachers hired on an emergency basis make continuous and verifiable progress toward satisfying licensing requirements. Sunsets on 6/30/2031, but provides that unlicensed emergency hires employed before the sunset date may continue employment for up to five years from their hiring date, under certain conditions. (CD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRemoves 3-year limit for unlicensed teachers while requiring progress toward licensure, supporting teacher retention and professional development in education.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 2550: RELATING TO SCHOOL MODERNIZATION.

Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish a school modernization initiative through a capital improvement project planning database for school facilities statewide. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds for school modernization initiative, directly funding public infrastructure under state budget authority.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds for school modernization initiative via capital improvement database, directly improving school infrastructure and facilities.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 894: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education for regional kitchen expansion to fulfill the local farm-to-school meal goal requiring thirty per cent of the food served in public schools to consist of locally sourced products. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds to DOE for regional kitchen expansion to meet farm-to-school meal goals, directly funding a public education program.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds for regional kitchens to meet farm-to-school meal goals (30% locally sourced food), directly funding school meal programs under DOE authority.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

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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 | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Education

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passed · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 1343: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Board of Education to adopt a policy that bans the use of phones and related devices by students during school hours. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBans student phone use during school hours, restricting device access as a school policy.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly bans student phone/device use in schools, restricting technology access during educational hours.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Education

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