HI SB896

Requires the Department of Education to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing capital improvement project status, including project titles, appropriation amounts, expenditures, completion timelines, delays exceeding 24 months, cost overruns, and responsible project managers

Mandates that CIP funds encumbered for more than five years without construction commencement must be specifically identified and justified, or face legislative review for potential reversion or reassignment

Requires annual reports to include deferred maintenance backlog totals, number of licensed technical staff in facilities management, vacant positions, and consultant spending, all posted on the DOE website in searchable format

Establishes a pilot program allowing the Superintendent to convert up to 20 vacant positions in the Office of Facilities and Operations to civil service-exempt status to hire technical professionals in construction management, inspection, and data management at competitive market rates

Takes effect July 1, 2026, with the pilot program for exempt positions expiring on June 30, 2031