HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	426
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that community service is an excellent way to train students for citizenship by engaging them in active civic participation. Active participation of young adults in service activities is necessary to achieve a truly healthy community. Community service is a way to explore careers and gain work skills. All students benefit from the lessons learned through community service, and requiring students to perform community service reaches those students who may not otherwise participate. Community service offers students:

(1) Psychological and social development;

(2) Intellectual and academic benefits;

(3) Civic education; and

(4) An opportunity to provide community benefits.

The purpose of this Act is to establish community service as a graduation requirement for public high school students.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II, subpart C, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A- High school community service requirement. (a) Each high school student shall perform fifty hours of community service before graduation.

(b) The department shall:

(1) With the support and assistance of community organizations and businesses, require that each high school's career guidance program or another program assist students in finding community service opportunities;

(2) Monitor the progress of each student's community service hours and include an opportunity for personal reflection to help students gain a perspective about their role in their community through service; and

(3) Recommend that student community service hours not be completed during school hours."

SECTION 3. No appropriations shall be made to implement this Act, and each public high school shall select a service coordinator to assist students to and keep community service records.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon approval; provided that section 2 shall apply to students graduating at the end of the 2020-2021 school year and thereafter.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

DOE; Community Service Requirement; Graduation; High School

Description:

Requires the Department of Education to include community service as a graduation requirement for public high school students.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.