HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1043
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the way schools operate, including creating additional processes and procedures to keep children as safe as possible from getting COVID-19. Pursuant to Act 4, Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2021, the department of education publishes a weekly report on schools that have a student, staff member, or affiliated individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. However, it is a fine balance between reporting of COVID-19 cases and an individual's right to privacy, especially when it comes to publicly sharing case information involving children. When a COVID-19 case is identified, the department's safety protocol requires immediate notification to individuals who may have come into close contact with the infected person, while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with state and federal law.

The legislature further finds that frequency of disclosure by the department of education regarding COVID-19 case information could affect the department's ability to protect individuals from being identified, harassed, and socially discriminated against. Further, public schools are facing difficulty with minimizing classroom disruptions due to the increased level of inquiries beyond the immediate school community.

The legislature notes that as of August 1, 2022, the department of education no longer requires masking indoors on its school campuses due to the changes in public health guidelines from the department of health. Coupled with the prevalence of home testing, it has become increasingly difficult to accurately report on the number of COVID-19 cases at schools. The department will continue to enforce its overlapping mitigation strategies of practicing good hand washing hygiene, staying home when sick, and promoting vaccinations.

The purpose of this Act is to repeal the department of education's COVID-19 weekly reporting requirements as mandated by Act 4, Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2021.

SECTION 2. Act 4, Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2021, is repealed.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on June 30, 3000.

Report Title:

Department of Education; Schools; Report; COVID-19

Description:

Repeals the department of education's weekly report on schools that have reported positive COVID-19 cases. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD1)

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