HB1795 Summary

• Establishes a free community college working group within the University of Hawaii to evaluate making community college free for Hawaii residents enrolled in classified degree or certificate programs with six or more credits per semester.

• Working group shall develop recommendations for eligibility criteria, evaluate program costs, determine whether the program should extend or replace the existing Hawaii promise program, and analyze free community college programs in other states.

• Working group membership includes the University of Hawaii president (chair), director of budget and finance, superintendent of education, relevant legislative committee chairs, and other higher education experts designated by the chairperson.

• Working group members serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for necessary expenses and are exempt from Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 84 conflict of interest provisions.

• Working group shall submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2025 regular legislative session convenes.