STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2975

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1814

       H.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 1814, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to provide a safe learning environment for students in Department of Education schools by:

     (1)  Requiring the Department of Education to report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2018 regarding the Department's progress toward implementing sections of chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, limiting punishment of pupils; prohibiting the use of seclusion, chemical restraint, or mechanical restraint; and limiting the use of physical restraint, as well as the expenditure of funds previously appropriated for the purpose of implementing those sections; and

     (2)  Appropriating funds for a full-time equivalent position to provide training and data accountability to assist with the implementation of those sections.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii State Teachers Association, Special Education Advisory Council, and Hawaii Disability Rights Center.

     Your Committee finds that the use of improper disciplinary techniques and excessive use of restraints in schools can be harmful to students.  Existing law provides guidance to teachers and school personnel in proper methods of maintaining discipline that promote an environment conducive to learning and do not harm students.  This measure provides the resources to train teachers and school personnel in these methods.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1814, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

________________________________

MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair