HI SB1274

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

Provides eligible teachers $1,000 per month for rent, mortgage payments, or utilities, with annual documentation required to verify housing-related use

Eligibility requires full-time employment at a designated rural or underserved school and not owning a residence within commuting distance of the school

Recipients must commit to teaching at a rural or underserved school for a minimum of three years; failure to complete this requirement converts the stipend to a repayable loan

Requires biennial reports to the legislature beginning in 2027; appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, effective July 1, 2025