STAND. COM. REP. NO.  752

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

 

RE:   H.B. No. 864

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

 

Madame:

 

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 864, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to allow newly graduated former students to be eligible for the State's workers' compensation coverage during the summer following their high school graduation while participating in work-based learning programs sponsored by the Department of Education.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education; Maui Chamber of Commerce; Lou's Quality Home Health Care Services, LLC; Advanced Care Training, LLC; and two individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that, to support new high school graduates as they transition to their post-secondary plans, the Department of Education offers work-based learning opportunities, including industry-led summer training and internships, as an extension of the Department's Career and Technical Education program of study.  However, without workers' compensation coverage for new high school graduates, employers and organizations may be hesitant to host young adults as interns.  You Committee believes that extending workers' compensation coverage for new high school graduates participating in Department-approved paid or unpaid work-based learning experiences in the public or private sector will prepare these graduates for the current and emerging workforce in the State.

 

     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. 864, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair