HI SB1274

Establishes a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program administered by the Department of Education to support teacher retention at public and charter schools designated as rural or underserved areas.

Eligible teachers must be employed full-time by the department in a rural or underserved school and must not own a residence within commuting distance from their school.

Provides $1,000 monthly stipends to eligible recipients that may only be used for rent, mortgage payments, or utilities, with annual documentation required to verify proper usage.

Requires stipend recipients to commit to teaching at a rural or underserved school for a minimum of three years; failure to meet this requirement results in repayment of all stipend funds received as a loan.

Appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 and requires the department to submit reports to the Legislature biennially beginning in 2027; takes effect July 1, 2025.