HI SB530

Establishes Braille literacy promotion as state policy and creates the "Hawaii Braille Literacy Education Act" requiring Braille educational services for eligible low vision or blind students in K-12 public schools

Mandates that Section 504 plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for low vision or blind students include assessments of reading/writing abilities and current/future needs for Braille instruction

Requires Braille instructional materials to be provided to eligible students at the same time print materials are distributed to other students, with substitute materials provided if originals are unavailable

Creates a Braille Literacy Resource Center within the Department of Education to advocate for services, obtain instructional materials (with preference for in-state suppliers), provide information to parents and students, and participate in IEP development

Appropriates an unspecified amount from general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to establish and operate the Braille Literacy Resource Center, with an effective date of July 1, 2050