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HI SB2897
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/23/2026
Primary Sponsor
Rachele Fernandez Lamosao
Click for details
AI Summary
- Requires the Board of Education to adopt the weighted student formula at least annually (changed from optional "may" to mandatory "shall") for allocating operating funds to public schools
- Mandates the Committee on Weights incorporate a "resource parity standard" that benchmarks public school funding against Hawaii's leading independent schools like ʻIolani and Punahou
- Resource parity requirements include reducing student-teacher ratios to match independent school levels, funding specialized instructors across academic, vocational, and enrichment programs, and calculating per-pupil allocations reflecting actual costs of "world-class education"
- Department of Education must submit annual progress reports to the legislature on achieving resource parity, due 20 days before each regular session
- Effective upon approval by the Governor
Legislative Description
Relating To Education Funding.
Reports
Last Action
Referred to EDU, WAM.
1/30/2026
Committee Referrals
Education1/30/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available