HI HB875

Establishes the Hawaii Teacher Apprenticeship Program administered by the Department of Education to support, recruit, develop, and retain teachers for Hawaii public schools.

Program provides last-dollar financial support to prospective teachers enrolled in state-approved teacher education programs at University of Hawaii campuses, covering tuition, fees, books, technology, credentialing fees, transportation, and state testing costs.

Participants must commit to teach in Hawaii public schools for a minimum of three consecutive years immediately after completing their teacher education program; failure to complete the program or meet the teaching requirement requires repayment of funds received.

Creates the Hawaii Teacher Apprenticeship Program Special Fund to receive legislative appropriations and repayments from individuals who breach their contractual agreements, with funds used to support program goals and related costs.

Appropriates unspecified sums from general revenues for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to establish and support the program, with the effective date set for June 30, 3000.