HI SB250

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes § 302A-1143 to remove the department of education's authority to mandate out-of-service-area attendance, effective July 1, 2028.

Establishes a phased reduction of sixth grade students mandated for out-of-service-area attendance: 80% of 2022-2023 levels by 2024-2025 school year, declining to 20% by 2027-2028 school year.

Maintains exceptions for Hawaiian language medium education programs, charter schools, federal law requirements, career and technical education programs, and discretionary geographic exceptions granted by the department.

Requires the department of education to submit progress reports to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030 regular sessions, including data on statewide student out-of-service-area attendance by grade level.

Takes effect upon approval except the statutory amendment which takes effect July 1, 2028.