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HI SB2163

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/21/2026

Primary Sponsor

Tim Richards

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Standardizes annual independent financial audits for Hawaii's 38 public charter schools, which enroll 13,371 students and receive approximately $150 million in state general funds (5-8% of the Department of Education budget)
  • Requires charter schools to complete independent financial audits within 120 days after each fiscal year and submit them to their authorizer, with copies transmitted to the Board of Education, legislature, and state auditor
  • Authorizes sanctions for noncompliance including withholding funds, imposing corrective action plans, or revoking the charter, with failure to complete audits considered a material breach of contract
  • Empowers the state auditor to conduct its own financial audit of any charter school deemed high risk for financial insolvency, and mandates a one-time comprehensive audit of all charter schools covering three years of expenditures by 2027
  • Requires authorizers to maintain publicly accessible online databases of all financial audits and mandates the State Public Charter School Commission to take action on auditor recommendations within one year

Legislative Description

Relating To Public Charter Schools.

Appropriation ($)

Last Action

The committee on EDU deferred the measure.

2/4/2026

Committee Referrals

Education1/26/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available