SB2877 SD1

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that military personnel and their families face numerous barriers due to frequent moves and deployment in ensuring the educational success of their children. Moving and changing schools can be extremely difficult for military families, but especially for military children. The educational curriculum and education requirements vary tremendously between states, school districts, and even schools. Finding methods for addressing the issues related to bridging the gap between schools is necessary to ensure military children receive an appropriate education through smooth transitions.

The legislature finds that several states are currently considering legislation for the enactment of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. Before considering adoption of the compact, the provisions of the compact, the current practices of the department of education in handling the educational requirements for military children, and other states' practices in handling education issues relating to military children should first be examined.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a task force on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to examine the compact and related issues to determine the appropriate approach for the State.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established the task force on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children within the department of education for administrative purposes.

(b) The task force on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children shall be comprised of eleven members as follows:

(1) Two members of the senate who shall be appointed by the president of the senate;

(2) Two members of the house of representatives who shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

(3) Two members appointed by the governor, at least one of which shall be a member of the United States National Guard;

(4) Two members appointed by the superintendent of education;

(5) The chairperson of the board of education, or the chairperson's designee;

(6) One representative from The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Military Affairs Council; and

(7) One representative from the Joint Venture Education Forum.

The task force shall select a chairperson from its membership.

(1) Review and analyze the provisions of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children;

(2) Review and analyze the department of education's current practices and procedures regarding issues related to military children in public schools;

(3) Determine which portions of the proposed compact language are already implemented or intended to be implemented by the department of education;

(4) Determine which parts of the proposed language of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children are worthy of implementation but may require time or resources;

(5) Determine which parts of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children are unacceptable, and, if amendments are required to make these portions acceptable, propose such amendments;

(6) Communicate with other state legislatures that have adopted the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children or are contemplating action; and

(7) Recommend changes to the department of education's current practices and procedures to improve services provided to military children in public schools, particularly those necessary to ensure smooth transitions between schools and equal access to educational opportunities despite movement.

(d) The task force on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children shall be exempt from chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes; provided that the task force shall make a good faith effort to make its proceedings and work products accessible and available to the general public in a manner consistent with the intent of chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

(e) Members of the task force on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.

(f) The Hawaii educational policy center shall provide administrative support and assist the task force on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children in the preparation of the report and proposed legislation required pursuant to subsection (g).

(g) The task force on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children shall submit its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2009.

(h) The task force on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children shall cease to exist on June 30, 2009.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2877
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII