SB 2655 Summary

• Establishes licensure requirements for school psychologists under the Board of Psychology, creating a new Part in Chapter 465, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

• Requires school psychologists to hold a specialist-level or doctoral degree in school psychology with minimum 60 semester hours, 1,200 hours of supervised internship (600+ hours in school settings), and pass the School Psychology Praxis examination with a minimum score of 147.

• Allows alternative qualification through current national certification or valid out-of-state license/credential obtained prior to July 1, 2019 (with 10-year grace period for those employed in Hawaii as of that date).

• Requires annual continuing education of 25 credit hours accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists; prohibits private practice and limits school psychologists to practicing in educational settings, early intervention programs, developmental centers, and approved private schools.

• Increases Board of Psychology composition from seven to nine members, adding two licensed school psychologists; mandates all school psychologists be licensed by July 1, 2021; and sets program repeal date of June 30, 2026.