HB 1170: UH; Residence for Tuition Purposes

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RESIDENT TUITION FEE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that facilitating postsecondary education and training for all interested high school graduates is a matter of statewide concern.  Postsecondary options assist graduates by preparing them for jobs and career pathways that typically pay higher wages, which enables them to achieve their educational and career goals and afford the State's high cost of living.  Increased enrollment and completion of postsecondary education and training will increase the State's human capital.

     The legislature further finds that the university of Hawaii amended its administrative rules to streamline the enrollment process for all applicants for admission into the university of Hawaii system; however, the current statutory requirements regarding residency for tuition purposes pose challenges for some local graduating high school seniors or recent graduates.  Specifically, some students experiencing homelessness have difficulty providing evidence of bona fide residency as required by statute, and students who have complex family situations may be incorrectly considered nonresidents.  The legislature further finds that recognizing local high school graduates as residents to qualify for resident tuition fees would facilitate the enrollment of these students at one of the university of Hawaii's campuses.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to simplify the residency determination for the State's high school graduates to enroll in postsecondary education and training at the university of Hawaii by considering graduates of the State's high schools to be residents for tuition purposes.

     SECTION 2.  Section 304A-402, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§304A-402[]]  Residence for tuition purposes; basic rule.  The board of regents shall adopt the necessary rules defining residence for tuition purposes herein; provided that the basic rule shall be that a student shall qualify for the resident tuition fee only if [the following criteria are met]:

     (1)  Both the following criteria are met:

          [(1)]     (A)  The adult student, or in the case of a minor student, the student's parents or guardians, has or have been a bona fide resident of this State for at least twelve consecutive months next preceding the student's first day of officially scheduled instruction for any semester or term in which the student is enrolling at the particular college or campus; and

          [(2)]     (B)  The adult or minor student has not been claimed as a dependent for tax purposes for at least twelve months next preceding the student's first day of officially scheduled instruction for any semester or term in which the student is enrolling at the particular college or campus by the student's parents or guardians who are nonresidents of the State; provided that this provision shall not apply in cases where the parent claiming the student as a dependent is entitled to do so under a child support order or agreement issued or entered into in conjunction with a divorce proceeding or legal separation agreement and the other parent and the student meet the criteria set forth in [paragraph (1).] subparagraph (A); or

     (2)  The adult or minor student:

          (A)  Graduated from a high school in the State within two years preceding the student's first day of officially scheduled instruction for any semester or term in which the student is enrolling at the particular college or campus; and

          (B)  Will enroll in an undergraduate degree program."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

UH; Residence for Tuition Purposes

Description:

Requires the University of Hawaii to grant the resident tuition fee for enrollment at any University of Hawaii campus to individuals who have graduated from a Hawaii high school and are enrolling in an undergraduate degree program, under certain conditions.  (CD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RESIDENT TUITION FEE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that facilitating postsecondary education and training for all interested high school graduates is a matter of statewide concern.  Postsecondary options assist graduates by preparing them for jobs and career pathways that typically pay higher wages, which enables them to achieve their educational and career goals and afford the State's high cost of living.  Increased enrollment and completion of postsecondary education and training will increase the State's human capital.

     The legislature further finds that the university of Hawaii amended its administrative rules to streamline the enrollment process for all applicants for admission into the university of Hawaii system; however, the current statutory requirements regarding residency for tuition purposes pose challenges for some local graduating high school seniors or recent graduates.  Specifically, some students experiencing homelessness have difficulty providing evidence of bona fide residency as required by statute, and students who have complex family situations may be incorrectly considered nonresidents.  The legislature further finds that recognizing local high school graduates as residents to qualify for resident tuition fees would facilitate the enrollment of these students at one of the university of Hawaii's campuses.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to simplify the residency determination for the State's high school graduates to enroll in postsecondary education and training at the university of Hawaii by considering graduates of the Stateꞌs high schools to be residents for tuition purposes.

     SECTION 2.  Section 304A-402, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§304A-402[]]  Residence for tuition purposes; basic rule.  The board of regents shall adopt the necessary rules defining residence for tuition purposes herein; provided that the basic rule shall be that a student shall qualify for the resident tuition fee only if the following criteria are met:

     (1)  The adult student, or in the case of a minor student, the student's parents or guardians, has or have been a bona fide resident of this State for at least twelve consecutive months next preceding the student's first day of officially scheduled instruction for any semester or term in which the student is enrolling at the particular college or campus; and

     (2)  The adult or minor student has not been claimed as a dependent for tax purposes for at least twelve months next preceding the student's first day of officially scheduled instruction for any semester or term in which the student is enrolling at the particular college or campus by the student's parents or guardians who are nonresidents of the State; provided that this provision shall not apply in cases where the parent claiming the student as a dependent is entitled to do so under a child support order or agreement issued or entered into in conjunction with a divorce proceeding or legal separation agreement and the other parent and the student meet the criteria set forth in paragraph (1)[.]; or

     (3)  The adult or minor student:

          (A)  Graduated from a high school in the State within four years preceding the student's first day of officially scheduled instruction for any semester or term in which the student is enrolling at the particular college or campus; and

          (B)  Will enroll in an undergraduate degree program."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

UH; Residence for Tuition Purposes

Description:

Requires the University of Hawaii to grant the resident tuition fee for enrollment at any University of Hawaii campus to individuals who have graduated from a Hawaii high school and are enrolling in an undergraduate degree program, under certain conditions.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RESIDENT TUITION FEE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that facilitating postsecondary education and training for all interested high school graduates is a matter of statewide concern.  Postsecondary options assist graduates by preparing them for jobs and career pathways that typically pay higher wages, which enables them to achieve their educational and career goals and afford the State's high cost of living.  Increased enrollment and completion of postsecondary education and training will increase the State's human capital.

     The legislature further finds that the university of Hawaii amended its administrative rules to streamline the enrollment process for all applicants for admission into the university of Hawaii system; however, the current statutory requirements regarding residency for tuition purposes pose challenges for some local graduating high school seniors or recent graduates.  Specifically, some students experiencing homelessness have difficulty providing evidence of bona fide residency as required by statute, and students who have complex family situations may be incorrectly considered nonresidents.  The legislature further finds that recognizing local high school graduates as residents to qualify for resident tuition fees would facilitate the enrollment of these students at one of the university of Hawaii's campuses.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to simplify the residency determination for the State's high school graduates to enroll in postsecondary education and training at the university of Hawaii by considering graduates of the Stateꞌs high schools to be residents for tuition purposes.

     SECTION 2.  Section 304A-402, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§304A-402[]]  Residence for tuition purposes; basic rule.  The board of regents shall adopt the necessary rules defining residence for tuition purposes herein; provided that the basic rule shall be that a student shall qualify for the resident tuition fee only if the following criteria are met:

     (1)  The adult student, or in the case of a minor student, the student's parents or guardians, has or have been a bona fide resident of this State for at least twelve consecutive months next preceding the student's first day of officially scheduled instruction for any semester or term in which the student is enrolling at the particular college or campus; and

     (2)  The adult or minor student has not been claimed as a dependent for tax purposes for at least twelve months next preceding the student's first day of officially scheduled instruction for any semester or term in which the student is enrolling at the particular college or campus by the student's parents or guardians who are nonresidents of the State; provided that this provision shall not apply in cases where the parent claiming the student as a dependent is entitled to do so under a child support order or agreement issued or entered into in conjunction with a divorce proceeding or legal separation agreement and the other parent and the student meet the criteria set forth in paragraph (1)[.]; or

     (3)  The adult or minor student:

          (A)  Graduated from a high school in the State within four years preceding the student's first day of officially scheduled instruction for any semester or term in which the student is enrolling at the particular college or campus; and

          (B)  Will enroll in an undergraduate degree program."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

UH; Residence for Tuition Purposes

Description:

Requires the University of Hawaii to grant the resident tuition fee for enrollment at any University of Hawaii campus to individuals who have graduated from a Hawaii high school and are enrolling in an undergraduate degree program, under certain conditions.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RESIDENT TUITION FEE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that facilitating postsecondary education and training for all interested high school graduates is a matter of statewide concern.  Postsecondary options assist graduates by preparing them for jobs and career pathways that typically pay higher wages, which enables them to achieve their educational and career goals and afford the State's high cost of living.  Increased enrollment and completion of postsecondary education and training will increase the State's human capital.

     The university of Hawaii amended its administrative rules to streamline the enrollment process for all applicants for admission into the university of Hawaii system; however, the current statutory requirements regarding residency for tuition purposes pose challenges for some local graduating high school seniors or recent graduates.  Specifically, some students experiencing homelessness have difficulty providing evidence of bona fide residency as required by statute, and students who have complex family situations may be incorrectly considered nonresidents.  The legislature further finds that recognizing local high school graduates as residents to qualify for resident tuition fees would facilitate the enrollment of these students at one of the university of Hawaii's campuses.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to simplify the residency determination for the State's high school graduates to enroll in postsecondary education and training at the university of Hawaii by considering graduates of the Stateꞌs high schools to be residents for tuition purposes.

     SECTION 2.  Section 304A-402, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§304A-402[]]  Residence for tuition purposes; basic rule.  The board of regents shall adopt the necessary rules defining residence for tuition purposes herein; provided that the basic rule shall be that a student shall qualify for the resident tuition fee only if the following criteria are met:

     (1)  The adult student, or in the case of a minor student, the student's parents or guardians, has or have been a bona fide resident of this State for at least twelve consecutive months next preceding the student's first day of officially scheduled instruction for any semester or term in which the student is enrolling at the particular college or campus; and

     (2)  The adult or minor student has not been claimed as a dependent for tax purposes for at least twelve months next preceding the student's first day of officially scheduled instruction for any semester or term in which the student is enrolling at the particular college or campus by the student's parents or guardians who are nonresidents of the State; provided that this provision shall not apply in cases where the parent claiming the student as a dependent is entitled to do so under a child support order or agreement issued or entered into in conjunction with a divorce proceeding or legal separation agreement and the other parent and the student meet the criteria set forth in paragraph (1)[.]; or

     (3)  The adult or minor student:

          (A)  Graduated from a high school in the State within four years preceding the student's first day of officially scheduled instruction for any semester or term in which the student is enrolling at the particular college or campus; and

          (B)  Will enroll in an undergraduate degree program."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

UH; Residence for Tuition Purposes

Description:

Requires the University of Hawaii to grant the resident tuition fee for enrollment at any University of Hawaii campus to individuals who have graduated from a Hawaii high school and are enrolling in an undergraduate degree program, under certain conditions.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 139

Honolulu, Hawaii

                 , 2025

RE:    H.B. No. 1170

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

       C.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madam and Sir:

     Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the House of Representatives to the amendments proposed by the Senate in H.B. No. 1170, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RESIDENT TUITION FEE,"

having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.

     The purpose of this measure is to require the University of Hawaii to grant the resident tuition fee for enrollment at any University of Hawaii campus to individuals who have graduated from a Hawaii high school and are enrolling in an undergraduate degree program, under certain conditions.

     Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Clarifying that an adult or minor student who graduated from a high school in the State within two years, rather than four years, preceding the student's first day of officially scheduled instruction at a University of Hawaii campus shall qualify for the resident tuition fee;

     (2)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 2025; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1170, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1170, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, C.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1715

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1170

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1170, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RESIDENT TUITION FEE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to make enrolling at a University of Hawaii System campus easier for certain residents.

     Specifically, this measure requires the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii System to grant a person residency status for tuition purposes if the student:

     (1)  Graduated from a high school in the State within four years preceding the student's first day of officially scheduled instruction; and

     (2)  Will enroll in an undergraduate degree program.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the University of Hawaii System, Department of Education, Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education, and University of Hawaii Student Caucus.

     Your Committee finds that some students experiencing homelessness or who have complex family situations may have difficulty providing evidence of bona fide residency for the  purpose of qualifying for in-state tuition.  Your Committee further finds that this measure simplifies the residency determination for certain Hawaii high school graduates, making it easier for those students to qualify for resident tuition.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1170, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1170, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1204

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1170

       H.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 1170, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RESIDENT TUITION FEE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to simplify the residency determination for the State's high school graduates to enroll in postsecondary education and training at the University of Hawaii by considering graduates of the State's high schools to be residents for tuition purposes.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education, University of Hawaiʻi System, Hawaiʻi P-20 Partnerships for Education, University of Hawaiʻi Student Caucus, and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that while the University of Hawaii has amended its administrative rules to streamline the enrollment process for all applicants for admission into the University of Hawaii System, existing statutory requirements regarding residency for tuition purposes discourage some local graduating high school seniors or recent graduates from enrolling at the University of Hawaii.  More specifically, some students in non-traditional living situations may be incorrectly considered non-residents, subjecting them to higher out-of-state tuition rates.  This measure will facilitate enrollment at the University of Hawaii by simplifying the residency determination for the State's high school graduates to enroll in postsecondary education and training at the University of Hawaii by allowing these students to benefit from resident tuition rates.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1170, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  918

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 1170

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1170, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RESIDENT TUITION FEE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require the University of Hawaii to grant the resident tuition fee for enrollment at any University of Hawaii campus to individuals who have graduated from a Hawaii high school and are enrolling in an undergraduate degree program, under certain conditions.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawai‘i System; Department of Education; University of Hawai‘i Student Caucus; and Hawai‘i P-20 Partnerships for Education.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1170, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  404

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 1170

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 1170 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RESIDENT TUITION FEE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require the University of Hawaii to grant the resident tuition fee for enrollment at any University of Hawaii campus to individuals who have graduated from a Hawaii high school and are enrolling in an undergraduate degree program, under certain conditions.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education; University of Hawaiʻi System; and University of Hawaiʻi Student Caucus.

     Your Committee finds that securing the resident tuition fee for Hawaii high school graduates will increase accessibility for students who are deterred from seeking an undergraduate degree due to perceived high cost and will provide a competitive choice for students considering out-of-state options.  This measure will also help some local graduating students or recent graduates who may, for a variety of reasons, meet the current statutory requirements for providing evidence of bona fide residency in the State.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1170, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1170, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,