HB 1188: RELATING TO TEACHER WORKFORCE HOUSING.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO TEACHER WORKFORCE HOUSING.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that teachers are fundamental to shaping the future of Hawaii's keiki and communities.  However, areas in the State with schools that are hard to staff still face significant challenges in attracting and retaining qualified educators due to limited affordable housing options and the State's high cost of living.

     The legislature further finds that challenges with teacher retention have resulted in a growing reliance on emergency hires and long-term substitutes, which can negatively affect the quality of education for students and place additional financial strain on the department of education.  Addressing teacher retention is critical to reducing educational disparities and ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities for all students in public and charter schools.

     The legislature therefore finds that providing financial assistance for housing through a teacher workforce housing stipend program would support teacher retention in communities with schools that are hard to staff.  Additionally, a stipend program would help alleviate economic burdens and encourage educators to make long-term commitments to teaching in communities with schools designated as hard-to-staff.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a teacher workforce housing stipend program to support teacher retention at any public school and charter school designated as hard-to-staff, which will strengthen the teaching profession, support educational equity, and invest in the success of Hawaii's students and schools.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to subpart E of part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§302A-     Teacher workforce housing stipend program; hard-to-staff schools.  (a)  There is established a teacher workforce housing stipend program to be administered by the department to support teacher retention at any public school and charter school designated as hard-to-staff.

     (b)  An individual shall be eligible for stipend consideration if the individual:

     (1)  Is employed full-time in a public school or charter school in an area designated as hard-to-staff; and

     (2)  Does not own a residence.

     (c)  Stipend recipients shall receive $           per month; provided that stipends awarded shall be used only for rent or utilities.  Stipend recipients shall submit annual documentation to the department verifying the stipend was used only for the purposes allowed pursuant to this subsection.

     (d)  Immediately following an award of a stipend, the recipient shall commit to teaching at a school in an area designated as hard-to-staff for a minimum of three years.  A stipend recipient may continue to receive a stipend pursuant to this section following the completion of the designated number of years; provided that the recipient continues to meet eligibility requirements pursuant to subsection (b).

     (e)  If the recipient fails to satisfy the work requirements in accordance with subsection (d), the recipient shall repay the total amount of the stipend received as a loan repayable to the department.  The repayment shall be subject to terms and conditions set by the department, including circumstances under which recipients may be eligible for deferment or forgiveness due to hardship or inability to secure employment, as well as potential fees for the collection of delinquent repayment.

     (f)  Stipends repaid by a stipend recipient pursuant to subsection (e) shall be deposited into the teachers' housing revolving fund established pursuant to section 302A-833.

     (g)  The department may accept federal funds to support the teacher workforce housing stipend program.

     (h)  In accordance with chapter 103D, the department may enter into written contracts with collection agencies to collect delinquent repayment of stipends owed to the department pursuant to subsection (e).  A collection agency that enters into a written contract with the department to collect delinquent stipend repayments pursuant to this subsection may collect a fee from the debtor in accordance with the terms of, and up to the amounts authorized in, the written contract.

     (i)  The department may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement and administer the stipend program, including the terms of repayment pursuant to subsection (e).

     (j)  The department shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature on the stipend program no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session for every odd-numbered year, beginning with the regular session of 2027."

     SECTION 3.  Section 302A-833, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (a) and (b) to read as follows:

     "(a)  There is established in the state treasury a revolving fund to be known as the teachers' housing revolving fund to be administered by the department of education.  The director of finance shall transfer any moneys appropriated for the purposes of teacher housing to the teachers' housing revolving fund.  All unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, allotments, special revolving funds, or other funds heretofore created and made available for the purposes of developing or administering teachers' housing projects shall be transferred to the teachers' housing revolving fund.  Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, all moneys, including refunds, reimbursements, and rentals, for housing from teacher tenants, and all moneys received by the department pursuant to 302A-   (f) shall be deposited in the revolving fund.

     (b)  The revolving fund may be used by the department of education for any and all of the purposes of teachers' housing, including [the]:

     (1)  The planning, construction, maintenance, and operation of teachers' housing[, as well as for the];

     (2)  The salaries of the necessary personnel in charge thereof[.]; and

     (3)  The teacher workforce housing stipend program established pursuant to section 302A-   ."

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment and administration of the teacher workforce housing stipend program established pursuant to section 2 of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOE; Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program; Workforce Housing; Reports; Teachers' Housing Revolving Fund; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program to support teacher retention at public and charter schools classified as hard-to-staff.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Amends the purpose and uses of the Teachers' Housing Revolving Fund.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

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 TEACHER WORKFORCE HOUSING.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that teachers are fundamental to shaping the future of Hawaiʻi's keiki and communities.  However, areas in the State with schools that are hard to staff still face significant challenges in attracting and retaining qualified educators due to limited affordable housing options and the State's high cost of living.

     The legislature further finds that challenges with teacher retention have resulted in a growing reliance on emergency hires and long-term substitutes, which can negatively affect the quality of education for students and place additional financial strain on the department of education.  Addressing teacher retention is critical to reducing educational disparities and ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities for all students in public and charter schools.

     The legislature therefore finds that providing financial assistance for housing through a teacher workforce housing stipend program would support teacher retention in communities with schools that are hard to staff.  Additionally, a stipend program would help alleviate economic burdens and encourage educators to make long-term commitments to teaching in communities with schools designated as hard-to-staff.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a teacher workforce housing stipend program to support teacher retention at any public school and charter school designated as hard-to-staff, which will strengthen the teaching profession, support educational equity, and invest in the success of Hawaii's students and schools.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III, subpart E, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§302A-     Teacher workforce housing; stipend program; hard-to-staff schools.  (a)  There is established a teacher workforce housing stipend program to be administered by the department to support teacher retention at any public school and charter school designated as hard-to-staff.

     (b)  An individual shall be eligible for stipend consideration if the individual:

     (1)  Is employed full-time in a public school or charter school in an area designated as hard-to-staff; and

     (2)  Does not own a residence.

     (c)  Stipend recipients shall receive $           per month; provided that stipends awarded shall be used only for rent or utilities.  Stipend recipients shall submit annual documentation verifying the stipend was used only for the purposes allowed pursuant to this subsection to the department.

     (d)  Immediately following an award of a stipend, the recipient shall commit to teaching at a school in an area designated as hard-to-staff for a minimum of three years.  A stipend recipient may continue to receive a stipend pursuant to this section following the completion of the designated number of years; provided that the recipient continues to meet eligibility requirements pursuant to subsection (b).

     (e)  If the recipient fails to satisfy the work requirements in accordance with subsection (d), the recipient shall repay the total amount of the stipend received as a loan repayable to the department.  The repayment shall be subject to terms and conditions set by the department, including circumstances under which recipients may be eligible for deferment or forgiveness due to hardship or inability to secure employment, as well as potential fees for the collection of delinquent repayment.

     (f) Stipends repaid by a stipend recipient pursuant to subsection (e) shall be deposited into the teachers' housing revolving fund established pursuant to section 302A-833.

     (g) The department may accept federal funds to support the teacher workforce housing stipend program.

     (h)  In accordance with chapter 103D, the department may enter into written contracts with collection agencies to collect delinquent repayment of stipends owed to the department pursuant to subsection (e). A collection agency that enters into a written contract with the department to collect delinquent stipend repayments pursuant to this section may collect a fee from the debtor in accordance with the terms of, and up to the amounts authorized in, the written contract.

     (i) The department may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement and administer the stipend program, including the terms of repayment pursuant to subsection (e).

     (j)  The department shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature on the stipend program no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session for every odd-numbered year, beginning with the regular session of 2027."

     SECTION 3.  Section 302A-833, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (a) and (b) to read as follows:

     "(a)  There is established in the state treasury a revolving fund to be known as the teachers' housing revolving fund to be administered by the department of education.  The director of finance shall transfer any moneys appropriated for the purposes of teacher housing to the teachers' housing revolving fund.  All unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, allotments, special revolving funds, or other funds heretofore created and made available for the purposes of developing or administering teachers' housing projects shall be transferred to the teachers' housing revolving fund.  Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, all moneys, including refunds, reimbursements, and rentals, for housing from teacher tenants, and all moneys received by the department pursuant to 302A-   (f) shall be deposited in the revolving fund.

     (b)  The revolving fund may be used by the department of education for any and all of the purposes of teachers' housing, including the planning, construction, maintenance, and operation of teachers' housing, as well as for the salaries of the necessary personnel in charge thereof[.], and for the teacher workforce housing stipend program established pursuant to section 302A-   ."

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment and administration of the teacher workforce housing stipend program established pursuant to section 2 of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOE; Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program; Workforce Housing; Reports; Teacher Housing Revolving Fund; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program to support teacher retention at public and charter schools classified as hard-to-staff.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Amends the purpose and uses of the Teacher Housing Revolving Fund.  Appropriates funds.  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 teacher workforce housing.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that teachers are fundamental to shaping the future of Hawaiʻi's keiki and communities.  However, rural and underserved areas of the State still face significant challenges in attracting and retaining qualified educators due to limited affordable housing options and the State's high cost of living.

     The legislature further finds that challenges with teacher retention have resulted in a growing reliance on emergency hires and long-term substitutes, which can negatively affect the quality of education for students and place additional financial strain on the department of education.  Addressing teacher retention is critical to reducing educational disparities and ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities for all students in public and charter schools.

     The legislature therefore finds that providing financial assistance for housing through a teacher workforce housing stipend program would support teacher retention in rural and underserved communities.  Additionally, a stipend program would help alleviate economic burdens and encourage educators to make long-term commitments to teaching in rural and underserved communities.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a teacher workforce housing stipend program to strengthen the teaching profession, support educational equity, and invest in the success of Hawaiʻi's students and schools.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III, subpart E, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§302A-    Teacher workforce housing; stipend program; rural and underserved schools.  (a)  There is established a teacher workforce housing stipend program to be administered by the department to support teacher retention at any public school designated as rural or in an underserved area. 

     (b)  An individual shall be eligible for stipend consideration if the individual:

     (1)  Is employed full-time by the department in a public or charter school in an area designated as rural or underserved; and

     (2)  Does not own a residence within commuting distance from the school at which they are employed.

     (c)  Stipend recipients shall receive $1,000 per month; provided that stipends awarded shall only be used only for rent or utilities.  Recipients of the teacher workforce housing stipend shall submit annual documentation verifying the usage of the stipend for housing purposes pursuant to this subsection.

     (d)  Immediately following an award of a stipend, the recipient shall commit to teaching at a school in an area designated as rural or underserved for a minimum of three years.  A stipend recipient may continue to receive a stipend pursuant to this section following the completion of the designated number of years; provided that the recipient continues to meet eligibility requirements pursuant to subsection (b).

     (e)  If the recipient fails to satisfy the work requirements in accordance with subsection (d), the recipient shall repay the total amount of the stipend funds received as a loan repayable to the department.  The repayment shall be subject to the terms and conditions set by the department.

     (f)  The department shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session for every odd-numbered year, beginning with the regular session of 2027."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment and administration of the teacher workforce housing stipend program established pursuant to section 2 of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

DOE; Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program; Workforce Housing; Reports; Appropriations

Description:

Establishes a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program to support teacher retention at public and charter schools classified as rural and underserved.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  764

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 1188

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 1188, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TEACHER WORKFORCE HOUSING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program to support teacher retention at public and charter schools classified as hard-to-staff; and

     (2)  Amend the purpose and uses of the Teachers' Housing Revolving Fund.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Democratic Party of Hawai‘i; Democratic Party of Hawai‘i Education Caucus; and one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education.

     Your Committee finds that the State's high cost of living and limited affordable housing options have made it increasingly difficult for teachers to live in the communities where they work.  This housing insecurity is a major contributing factor in high teacher turnover rates and increased reliance on emergency hires, which creates a disruption in the education provided to students.  Your Committee believes that establishing a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program will help alleviate housing-related financial pressures, thereby stabilizing the teaching workforce, and ensuring that students in hard-to-staff communities have access to consistent, high-quality education.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by 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 Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1188, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1188, H.D. 2.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  173

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 1188

      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 Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 1188 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TEACHER WORKFORCE HOUSING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program (Program) to support teacher retention at public schools designated as rural or in an underserved area.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Public Charter School Commission; Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi Education Caucus; and two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General; Department of Education; and Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO.

     Your Committee finds that certain areas of Hawaii face significant challenges in attracting and retaining qualified educators due to limited affordable housing options and the State's high cost of living.  Addressing teacher retention is critical to reducing educational disparities and ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities for every student in public and charter schools.  This measure would provide financial assistance for housing through a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program and will support teacher retention while alleviating economic burdens and encouraging educators to make long-term commitments to teaching in the State.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Specifying that the Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program is to support teacher retention at any public school and charter school that is designated as hard-to-staff;

     (2)  Clarifying that an individual shall be eligible for stipend consideration if the individual does not own a residence;

     (3)  Changing the stipend award amount to an unspecified amount;

     (4)  Clarifying that the terms and conditions set by the Department of Education for the repayment of stipends include circumstances under which recipients may be eligible for deferment or forgiveness in certain situations;

     (5)  Specifying that stipends repaid by a stipend recipient shall be deposited into the Teachers' Housing Revolving Fund;

     (6)  Authorizing the Department of Education to:

          (A)  Accept federal funds to support the Program;

          (B)  Enter into written contracts with collection agencies to collect delinquent repayments of stipends owed to the Department; and

          (C)  Adopt rules to implement and administer the Program;

     (7)  Amending the purpose and uses of the Teachers' Housing Revolving Fund to accept stipend repayments and use funds for the Program;

     (8)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000; and

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

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider $1,000 per month as the stipend award amount under the Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1188, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1188, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Housing.

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