HB 1345: DOE; UH; Four-year College; Tuition Subsidy; Mandatory Fee Subsidy; State-Approved Teacher Education Program; Teacher Education; Resident Student; Service Requirement

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO TEACHER EDUCATION.

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

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to authorize the department of education to subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student pursuing a degree in education for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a state‑approved teacher education program; provided that the student commits to teaching at a department public school following licensure recommendation.

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

     "§302A-     Tuition subsidy; student teaching hours; service requirement; resident students.  (a)  The department may subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student enrolled in a four-year college campus of the university of Hawaii with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the resident student chooses to complete the student teaching requirement necessary to earn a degree in education; provided that the student is:

     (1)  Enrolled as a full-time student in good academic standing in the applicable education program of the four-year college;

     (2)  Enrolled in a degree program that:

          (A)  Results in a degree in education; and

          (B)  Requires the completion of student teaching hours; and

     (3)  Currently enrolled in a state-approved teacher education program;

provided further that the student shall commit to five years of full-time teaching in the student's licensed field at a department school following licensure recommendation.

     (b)  The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary to implement this section."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 31, 2050.

Report Title:

DOE; UH; Four-year College; Tuition Subsidy; Mandatory Fee Subsidy; State-Approved Teacher Education Program; Teacher Education; Resident Student; Service Requirement

Description:

Authorizes the Department of Education to subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student enrolled in a 4‑year college campus of the University of Hawaii System with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a State-Approved Teacher Education Program under certain conditions.  Effective 7/31/2050.  (SD2)

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 EDUCATION.

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

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to authorize the department of education to subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student pursuing a degree in education for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a state‑approved teacher education program; provided that the student commits to teaching at a department public school following licensure recommendation.

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

     "§302A-    Tuition subsidy; student teaching hours; service requirement; resident students.  (a)  The department may subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student enrolled in a four-year college campus of the university of Hawaii with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the resident student chooses to complete the student teaching requirement necessary to earn a degree in education; provided that the student is:

     (1)  Enrolled as a full-time student in good academic standing in the applicable education program of the four-year college;

     (2)  Enrolled in a degree program that:

          (A)  Results in a degree in education; and

          (B)  Requires the completion of student teaching hours; and

     (3)  Currently enrolled in a state-approved teacher education program;

provided further that the student shall commit to       years of full-time teaching in the student's licensed field at a department school following licensure recommendation.

     (b)  The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary to implement this section."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 31, 2050.

Report Title:

DOE; UH; Four-year College; Tuition Subsidy; Mandatory Fee Subsidy; State-Approved Teacher Education Program; Teacher Education; Resident Student; Service Requirement

Description:

Authorizes the Department of Education to subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student enrolled in a four‑year college campus of the University of Hawaii System with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a State-Approved Teacher Education Program under certain conditions.  Effective 7/31/2050.  (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 TEACHER EDUCATION.

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

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to authorize the department of education to subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student pursuing a degree in education for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a state‑approved teacher education program.

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

     "§302A-    Tuition subsidy; student teaching hours; resident students.  (a)  The department may subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student enrolled in a four-year college campus of the university of Hawaii with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the resident student chooses to complete the student teaching requirement necessary to earn a degree in education; provided that the student is:

     (1)  Enrolled as a full-time student in good academic standing in the applicable education program of the four-year college;

     (2)  Enrolled in a degree program that:

          (A)  Results in a degree in education; and

          (B)  Requires the completion of student teaching hours; and

     (3)  Currently enrolled in a state-approved teacher education program.

     (b)  The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary to implement this section."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

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

Report Title:

DOE; UH; Four-year College; Tuition Subsidy; Mandatory Fee Subsidy; State-Approved Teacher Education Program; Teacher Education; Resident Student

Description:

Authorizes the Department of Education to subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student enrolled in a four‑year college campus of the University of Hawaii System with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a State-Approved Teacher Education Program.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (Proposed 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 TEACHER EDUCATION.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that requiring the board of regents to grant a tuition waiver to a resident student pursuing a degree in education for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a state-approved teacher education program is a matter of statewide concern pursuant to article X, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to subpart B of part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§304A-     Tuition waiver; student teaching hours; resident students.  (a)  The board of regents shall grant a waiver on all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student enrolled in a four-year college campus of the university of Hawaii with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the resident student chooses to complete the student teaching requirement necessary to earn a degree in education; provided that the student is:

     (1)  Enrolled as a full-time student in good academic standing in the applicable education program of the four-year college;

     (2)  Enrolled in a degree program that:

          (A)  Results in a degree in education; and

          (B)  Requires the completion of student teaching hours; and

     (3)  Currently enrolled in a state-approved teacher education program.

     (b)  The university shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary to implement this section."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

UH; BOR; Four-year College; Tuition Waiver; Mandatory Fee Waiver; State-Approved Teacher Education Program; Teacher Education; Resident Student

Description:

Requires the Board of Regents to grant a waiver on all tuition and mandatory fees to a resident student enrolled in a four‑year college campus of the University of Hawaii System with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a State-Approved Teacher Education Program.  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 education.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that requiring the board of regents to grant a tuition waiver to a resident student pursuing a degree in education for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a state-approved teacher education program is a matter of statewide concern pursuant to article X, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to subpart B of part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§304A-    Tuition waiver; student teaching hours; resident students.  (a)  The board of regents shall grant a waiver on all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student enrolled in the college of education at the university of Hawaii at Manoa for the semester or term that the resident student chooses to complete the student teaching requirement necessary to earn a degree in education; provided that the student is:

     (1)  Enrolled as a full-time student in good academic standing in the college of education at the university of Hawaii at Manoa;

     (2)  Enrolled in a degree program that:

          (A)  Results in a degree in education; and

          (B)  Requires the completion of student teaching hours; and

     (3)  Currently enrolled in a state-approved teacher education program.

     (b)  The university shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary to implement this section."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

UH; BOR; College of Education; Tuition Waiver; Mandatory Fee Waiver; State-Approved Teacher Education Program; Teacher Education; Resident Student

Description:

Requires the Board of Regents to grant a waiver on all tuition and mandatory fees to a resident student enrolled in the College of Education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a State-Approved Teacher Education Program.

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. 1533

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1345

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 2

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. 1345, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TEACHER EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to increase the number of well-trained teachers in Department of Education schools.

     Specifically, this measure authorizes the Department of Education to subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student pursuing a degree in education for the semester or term that the student is enrolled in a state-approved teacher education program; provided that the student commits to teaching at a Department of Education public school for an unspecified number of years.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Teachers Association and Democratic Party of Hawai`i.

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Education and University of Hawaii System.

     Your Committee finds that the tuition and fee subsidies authorized by this measure will help to alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by individuals seeking a career in education.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by specifying that a student who accepts a tuition and fee subsidy shall commit to five years of full-time teaching in the student's licensed field at a Department of Education school.

     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. 1345, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1345, H.D. 1, S.D. 2.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1203

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1345

       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 Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 1345, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TEACHER EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require that the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii grant a tuition waiver to a resident student pursuing a degree in education for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a State-Approved Teacher Education Program.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and one individual.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.

     Prior to decision making on this measure, your Committee made available for public review a proposed S.D. 1 of this measure, which amends this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting language that would have required the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii to grant a waiver on all tuition and mandatory fees for resident students enrolled in a four-year college campus of the University of Hawaii with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the resident student chooses to complete the student teaching requirement necessary to earn a degree in education;

     (2)  Inserting language authorizing the Department of Education to subsidize all tuition and mandatory fees for resident students enrolled in a four-year college campus of the University of Hawaii with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the resident student chooses to complete the student teaching requirement necessary to earn a degree in education; and

     (3)  Specifying that the Department of Education shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to administer the subsidies.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the proposed S.D. 1 from the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the proposed S.D. 1 from six individuals.

     Your Committee received comments on the proposed S.D.1 from the Department of Education and University of Hawaiʻi System.

     Your Committee finds that the State is experiencing a shortage of qualified educators.  Your Committee further finds that offering tuition assistance for resident students enrolled in an education degree program at the University of Hawaii would incentivize more students to pursue a degree in education.  Your Committee additionally finds that the Department of Education currently provides tuition stipends for University of Hawaii teacher education programs through various memorandums of agreement and funding provided through the Department's budget, including the Grow Our Own Program.  The Grow Our Own Program requires that a tuition stipend recipient commit to three years of dedicated, full-time teaching within Hawaii public schools following the recipient's licensure recommendation.  Thus, the Grow Our Own Program has increased the number of qualified educators in the State while ensuring that these educators remain in the State to continue their careers.  Given the success of the Grow Our Own Program, your Committee believes that it is more appropriate for the Department of Education, rather than the University of Hawaii, to administer the tuition subsidy program proposed by this measure.

     Your Committee notes that the University of Hawaii awards tuition waivers to students totaling more than $106 million annually.  Your Committee requests that the University of Hawaii consider including areas of shortfall, such as nurses and teachers, when granting the tuition waivers.

     Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by adopting the proposed S.D. 1 and further amending the measure by:

     (1)  Inserting language requiring that resident students who receive a tuition subsidy from the Department of Education commit to an unspecified number of years of full-time teaching at a department school following licensure recommendation;

     (2)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

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

     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. 1345, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1345, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, 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.  920

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 1345

      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. 1345, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TEACHER EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require the Board of Regents to grant a waiver on all tuition and mandatory fees for a resident student enrolled in a four-year college campus of the University of Hawaii System with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term during which the student chooses to complete the student teaching requirement necessary to earn a degree in education.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; and Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System and one individual.

     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. 1345, 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.  437

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 1345

      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. 1345 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TEACHER EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require the Board of Regents to grant a waiver on all tuition and mandatory fees to a resident student enrolled in the College of Education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a state-approved teacher education program.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; and Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education and University of Hawaiʻi System.

     Your Committee finds that this measure will incentivize more individuals to pursue a career in education in the State by alleviating the financial burden of tuition for attendance at the University of Hawaii at Manoa for individuals who enroll in the College of Education.  Your Committee further finds that granting a waiver on all tuition and mandatory fees to a qualifying resident student enrolled at the University of Hilo and University of Hawaii West Oahu will further attract individuals to pursue an education degree in the State.

     Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Expanding the granting of a waiver on all tuition and mandatory fees to residents enrolled in a four-year college campus of the University of Hawaii with an education program or that offers an education degree for the semester or term that the student enrolls in a state-approved teacher education program; and

     (2)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

     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. 1345, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1345, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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