HI SR82

Request the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a study on family school leave policies that would allow parents and guardians of school-aged children to take leave from employment to participate in educational activities.

Research other states' family school leave laws and work with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Hawaii Chamber of Commerce, and stakeholders including the Hui for Excellence in Education and Hawaii Parent Teacher Student Association to examine potential impacts.

Make recommendations on whether family school leave is feasible in Hawaii, including the minimum employer size (number of employees) required to provide such leave and the annual hours of leave employers should be required to provide.

Propose relevant legislation if appropriate, with findings and recommendations to be submitted to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2014 Regular Session.

Notes that twelve states currently require employers to allow time for school participation, with California requiring up to 40 hours annually for businesses with 25 or more employees.