H.R. 173 Summary

• Request Legislative Reference Bureau to convene task force to study student loan debt relief and propose policies and legislation to ease burden on Hawaii residents.

• Task force composition includes 3 House members (appointed by Speaker), 3 Senate members (appointed by President), 2 student loan attorneys, 1 consumer advocacy representative, and 1 lender/bank advocacy representative.

• Study areas include economic impact of student loan debt on individuals and families, private lending programs, feasibility of state-run refinancing program for low-credit borrowers, loan repayment assistance for high-need professions, and tax relief programs.

• Task force must submit report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to Legislature at least 20 days before 2019 Regular Session convenes.

• Legislative Reference Bureau to provide staff support including drafting report and proposed legislation.