STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3314

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3156

S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 3156, S.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 establish a framework to support the post-high school employment or education of students having disabilities.

More specifically, this measure:

(1) Establishes a statewide transition success network for students having disabilities; and

(2) Appropriates funds for the establishment of the statewide transition success network, including funds for a pilot program to be established in one high school and for start-up and technical assistance activities for participation in the statewide transition success network.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Keiki Education Living Independent Institute, Special Education Advisory Council, and seven individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Education.

Your Committee finds that this measure provides a framework to ensure effective transition services for students having disabilities, thereby promoting successful employment or education for these students after high school. Your Committee further finds that this measure aligns with the State's goals of ensuring equality of opportunity, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals having disabilities.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Requiring school district coordinators to work with the University of Hawaii Center on Disability Studies to support students at integrated work sites, including by providing job coaches and serving as an intermediary between the schools and any businesses that will work with students having disabilities;

(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure; and

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

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3156, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3156, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair