HI SB496

Requires the Department of Education to provide training on social and emotional learning to teachers, health care professionals, counselors, parents, and youth-serving agencies serving school-age children in public schools and public charter schools.

Training programs must use evidence-based and evidence-informed curricula that are scientifically accurate, age appropriate, and culturally relevant, with a focus on preventing bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

Department of Education must adopt rules establishing types of training programs available, developing curricula standards, and determining which persons shall receive the training.

Appropriates unspecified funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2017-2018 to implement social and emotional learning training programs to promote positive social behaviors and protect youth from bullying and cyberbullying.

Effective date: July 1, 2017.