HB 1346 Summary

• Prohibits suspension and expulsion of children in the Executive Office on Early Learning's Public Prekindergarten Program due to behavior, with limited exceptions for serious safety threats.

• Allows temporary suspension only when a serious safety threat exists as determined by the school administrator.

• Prohibits permanent removal of students from the program due to behavior; requires school administrators to consult with the office when children exhibit persistent and serious challenging behaviors.

• Exempts the executive office on early learning public prekindergarten program from general school suspension and expulsion provisions in Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 302A-1134.

• Requires the office to implement Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 19, Title 8 until permanent rules are adopted to carry out suspension and expulsion prohibitions.