STAND. COM. REP. NO.  583-16

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2016

RE:   H.B. No. 1937

      H.D. 2

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 1937, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to ensure that only qualified persons are allowed to practice in the field of school psychology by establishing a school psychologist licensing program to be administered by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.  Under this program, all persons engaged in the practice of school psychology must be licensed as school psychologists to practice in the public and private sectors of employment.

The Hawaii Association of School Psychologists and several concerned individuals supported this measure.  The Department of Education supported the intent of this measure.  The Board of Psychology, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Clarifying the proposed definitions of "practice of school psychology" and "school psychologist" to add "or its successor" to the reference to the National Association of School Psychologists;

     (2)  Clarifying the proposed qualifications and requirements for applicants who are seeking licensure as a school psychologist, including the degree requirements; post-graduate experience certification requirements; and requirements for persons who are already employed as a school psychologist but who have an out-of-state license or credential that has expired; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

     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. 1937, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1937, H.D. 2.

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

____________________________

ROY M. TAKUMI, Chair