HB 1277 Summary

• Requires the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) to examine the feasibility of establishing a "pay forward, pay back" pilot program that replaces tuition with post-graduation income-based repayment obligations.

• Directs UHERO to develop a proposed pilot program if feasibility is established, including identification of participating campuses, eligibility requirements for Hawaii resident students, and binding contract terms specifying percentage of annual adjusted gross income and repayment duration.

• Allows pilot program participants to enroll without paying tuition or fees, with post-graduation income contributions to be paid to the State or University for a specified number of years.

• Requires UHERO to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2016 regular session convenes.

• Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2015-2016 to support UHERO's feasibility study and pilot program development, with the appropriation amount left blank in the bill.