HI SB201

Prohibits the Hawaii Department of Education from mandating that students attend schools outside their service area, effective July 1, 2030.

Establishes a five-year phaseout period for existing out-of-service-area mandates beginning with sixth grade students in the 2026-2027 school year, reducing mandated enrollments by 20 percent annually until elimination.

Permits out-of-service-area attendance only for students in Hawaiian language medium programs, charter schools, career and technical education programs, or when required by federal law or approved geographic exceptions.

Requires the Department of Education to submit annual progress reports to the legislature by November 10 for school years 2027 through 2031, including data on statewide students mandated for out-of-service-area attendance by grade level starting with the 2024-2025 school year.

Addresses school overcrowding concerns, particularly in the Kapolei complex, by allowing students in the Nanakuli complex to attend schools in their own service area rather than being reassigned to schools in other areas.