STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1220

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 225

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 225, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO BULLYING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Board of Education to develop a bullying prevention and response action plan;

(2) Require the Board of Education to report annually to the Legislature; and

(3) Repeal Act 214, Session Laws of Hawaii 2011.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Youth Services Network, Americans for Democratic Action Hawaii, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and four individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education, Board of Education, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the Board of Education advocates for safe learning environments that ensure the well-being of students and recognizes bullying as a severe issue. Furthermore, the Department of Education fosters positive and safe learning environments for all students and staff by creating a culture of respect, responsibility, and resiliency and does not tolerate bullying on any of its campuses, transportation, or sponsored events. This measure will serve as a tool for the Board of Education to respond and prevent bullying in public schools.

Your Committee notes that the bullying prevention and response action plan is not just for students but also for Department of Education employees.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

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. 225, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 225, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

________________________________

MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair