Education

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3122: RELATING TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION ASSESSMENTS.

SB 3122 requires the state Board of Education to update physical education standards and performance metrics to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test for public school students. This bill directly affects all public school districts and students in grades 3-12, as it mandates the return of this specific fitness assessment tool. The key mechanism is the Board of Education's obligation to revise existing standards to align with the test's requirements. The policy change shifts physical education evaluations back to a standardized, nationally recognized fitness benchmark.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationReinstates Presidential Fitness Test for physical education standards, strengthening K-12 PE requirements per bill mandate.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Testing & Assessment

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 323: RELATING TO TEACHER HOUSING.

Establishes the Teacher Housing Assistance Program to provide housing vouchers to certain eligible teachers. Appropriates funds out of the Teachers' Housing Revolving Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds from Teachers' Housing Revolving Fund to establish teacher housing program, directly funding a public service initiative under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes Teacher Housing Assistance Program with housing vouchers to directly support teacher recruitment/retention, addressing educator stability and staffing needs in schools.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates housing vouchers for teachers via dedicated fund, directly funding housing assistance program for recruitment/retention.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers Affordable Housing

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 426: RELATING TO AN EARLY LEARNING APPRENTICESHIP GRANT PROGRAM.

Establishes an Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program to be administered by the University of Hawaii to provide financial support for early learning program service providers in the State to participate in state- or federally-approved early learning apprenticeship programs. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds for Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program to support service providers in state-approved apprenticeships, directly advancing early childhood education access and workforce development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Higher Education

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 1460: RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, requires that each Department of Education public school student earn 2 credits in Hawaiian language as a graduation requirement. Establishes a 2-year pilot program for Hawaiian language instruction at a central Oahu elementary school and Nanakuli High and Intermediate School. Appropriates funds.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates 2 Hawaiian language credits for graduation, funds pilot programs, and appropriates budget for curriculum expansion in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 1272: RELATING TO A HAWAII TEACHER REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM.

HB 1272 would establish the Hawaii Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, administered by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. The program provides a structured training path for new educators, combining paid on-the-job teaching experience with classroom instruction to support teacher development. It includes funding appropriations to cover program implementation and participant stipends. This bill directly affects aspiring teachers in Hawaii seeking an alternative certification route through work-based learning.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill includes funding appropriations for teacher development program, directly increasing state spending on education through budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes funded teacher apprenticeship program with stipends, directly supporting educator development and alternative certification pathways.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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passed · Hawaii · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 2427: RELATING TO UNACCOMPANIED HOMELESS YOUTH.

Entitles unaccompanied homeless youth, including runaway youth, with the rights, as provided by the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987, to immediate enrollment in school, full participation in school activities, and access to comparable school and educational services provided to other students. Establishes a student-centered, safety-first protocol for unaccompanied homeless youth enrolling in or attending school. Permits unaccompanied homeless youth to provisionally enroll in school without providing immunization records. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationGuarantees immediate school enrollment and comparable educational services for homeless youth, expanding K-12 access rights per federal law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 789: RELATING TO SCHOOL CAFETERIA MEAL COSTS.

Reduces the amount the Department of Education is authorized to charge for school meals to all students enrolled in department schools to no more than one-quarter of the cost of preparing the meals. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill caps school meal charges at 25% of cost, increasing affordability/access for students, aligning with educational access support indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 1264: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

SB 1264 requires the state Board of Education to create a policy banning student use of phones and other electronic devices during all school hours. This directly affects public school students and educators across the state, as schools would need to implement and enforce this rule. The key provision mandates the Board to adopt a specific policy, not a general guideline, to prohibit devices while students are in class or on school grounds during instructional time. The bill does not specify penalties or exceptions, focusing solely on the requirement for the Board to establish the rule.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationMandates ban on student devices during school hours, restricting access to technology in classrooms and limiting educational tools per bill's key provision.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBans student phone/device use in schools during instruction, restricting technology access per bill's key provision.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 605: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, requires the Department of Education to include the teaching of financial literacy in kindergarten through grade twelve. Requires students in grades nine through twelve to complete a one-half credit in financial literacy before graduation. Requires the Board of Education to provide professional development to teachers who are teaching financial literacy courses.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates financial literacy curriculum K-12, requires graduation credit, and funds teacher professional development, strengthening educational program requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 409: RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to design and construct photovoltaic panel coverings over playgrounds at all Department of Education schools.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill appropriates funds for photovoltaic playground coverings at DOE schools, directly funding school infrastructure improvements per education policy indicators.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds photovoltaic (solar) panel installations on school playgrounds, directly investing in renewable energy infrastructure per bill summary and subjects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar

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