HB251 Summary

• Appropriates funds for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to purchase laptop or tablet computers for use by teachers and students in Hawaii public schools for digital teaching and learning (specific dollar amount not filled in the bill text).

• Establishes funding to increase technology integration and ensure equitable access to digital resources across all public school students, building on previous pilot programs and the statewide computer science curriculum requirements mandated by Act 51 (2018).

• References the successful 2013-2014 Access Learning pilot program ($8,200,000) which demonstrated that classroom technology significantly enhanced education quality, as verified by a University of Hawaii West Oahu study.

• Takes effect on July 1, 2050.