HI SB527

Establishes five full-time equivalent (5.0 FTE) positions within the Department of Education's Civil Rights Compliance Branch, consisting of one Title IX specialist for gender equity in athletics and four equity specialists II statewide.

Title IX specialist position responsibilities include reviewing athletic programs statewide, developing compliance policies for Title IX, providing guidance on gender equity in athletics, conducting investigations, and preparing official responses to state and federal enforcement agencies.

Four equity specialists II positions serve statewide and handle Title IX complaints, civil rights investigations under Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; also serve as language access and reasonable accommodation coordinators.

Appropriates unspecified sums from general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to fund the five positions and to secure equipment and supplies for these new positions.

Takes effect July 1, 2050.