Education (Special Education)

in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 109: URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA KOKUA PROGRAM AND DISABILITY SERVICES ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM AND IDENTIFY AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION.

This bill urges the University of Hawaii to evaluate the effectiveness of its Manoa Kokua Program and disability services across the university system, with the goal of identifying areas for improvement and expansion. It requests the University of Hawaii Manoa SEED program to conduct a study on how to better improve student outreach and knowledge of disability support, focusing on specific issues like registration processes, classroom accommodations, building accessibility, and basic needs access. The university is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026. This resolution is a non-binding request that does not create new laws or funding but asks the university to assess its current services and propose changes.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill urges evaluation and improvement of disability services and student support programs, aiming to expand access and enhance educational accommodations for students.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Special Education

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 101: URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA KOKUA PROGRAM AND DISABILITY SERVICES ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM AND IDENTIFY AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION.

This House Resolution urges the University of Hawaii to evaluate the effectiveness of its Kokua Program and disability services across the university system. The bill directs the University of Hawaii Manoa SEED program to conduct a study on improving student outreach, registration processes, faculty communication, building accessibility, and accommodations for basic needs like transportation and housing. The university must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session. This measure aims to address gaps in disability support services and ensure better access for students with disabilities throughout the university system.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill directs evaluation and improvement of disability services and student outreach programs, enhancing educational access and support for students with disabilities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Special Education Tags People with Disabilities

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Feb 20, 2026

HB 1997: RELATING TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.

Authorizes the inclusion of provisions addressing individualized accommodations and supports during emergency situations and evacuations in individualized education programs and section 504 plans for students with disabilities. Requires support and guidance from the Department of Education. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAuthorizes IEP accommodations during emergencies, ensuring safety and access for students with disabilities under IDEA, strengthening educational protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Special Education

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2846: RELATING TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.

Authorizes the inclusion of language addressing individualized accommodations and supports during emergency situations and evacuations in individualized education programs for students with disabilities. Requires support and guidance from the Department of Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAuthorizes emergency accommodations in IEPs for students with disabilities, enhancing safety and support within educational programs per IDEA requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

Track

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

SB 3325: RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOL MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENTS.

Requires the Department of Education to establish an updated plan for maximizing Medicaid reimbursements for administrative and support services provided to students with special needs. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. (CD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires maximizing Medicaid reimbursements for special education support services, directly increasing funding access for schools serving students with special needs.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates maximizing Medicaid reimbursements for special needs school services, directly increasing healthcare funding access for students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education Student Health Medicaid

passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 530: RELATING TO BRAILLE LITERACY.

Establishes Braille literacy as a policy of the State. Requires literacy assessments for eligible low vision and blind students to include Braille instruction and the use of Braille. Authorizes the Department of Education to adopt administrative rules. Establishes the Braille Literacy Resource Center. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds for Braille Literacy Resource Center and Braille instruction, directly funding an educational program per budget policy.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates Braille literacy in assessments for low vision/blind students, establishes a Resource Center, and appropriates funds to advance educational access for visually impaired students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 265: RELATING TO TEACHER RETENTION.

Establishes the Onipaʻa Teacher Bonus Program to address teacher retention and award teachers for outstanding and extended service in the department of education. Ensures that general education teachers assigned to special education inclusion classes receive the same additional benefits as special education teachers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes new teacher bonus program requiring state funding, directly increasing education budget allocation for retention.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes teacher bonus program for retention and equal benefits for inclusion teachers, directly advancing educator support and retention efforts in education policy.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes teacher bonus program and ensures equal benefits for general education teachers in special ed inclusion, expanding worker benefits and promoting equitable compensation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education Teachers

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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