HI HB1834

Establishes the strong students grant pilot program administered by the department of education to provide $1,000 grants to eligible students for education expenses related to COVID-19 pandemic disruptions.

Defines eligible education expenses as computer hardware, internet access, textbooks, curriculum, assessment fees, therapies, and supplemental education services for students in kindergarten through grade 12 at public schools and charter schools.

Awards grants in order of preference: first to families with adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less, then starting September 15 to families earning $75,000 or less, then starting November 1 to all other eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted, with application deadline of December 1 each year.

Requires the department to establish a grant application process, select a third party to build and administer a grant distribution platform, and verify tax information through the department of taxation before awarding grants.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2022-2023 to establish and administer the program, with unused funds reverting to the general fund at end of each fiscal year; requires progress reports to the legislature before the 2023 and 2024 regular sessions.