STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3959

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2248

H.D. 1

S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2248, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOLS,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to amend the definition of "private schools" under the compulsory attendance law to require unlicensed but accredited private schools to annually submit health and safety documentation to the Hawaii Council of Private Schools or the Hawaii Catholic Schools office.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools and Hawaii Council of Private Schools. Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committees find that the health and safety of students in the State is of paramount importance. Your Committees further find that this measure will increase transparency and accountability in the operation of private schools and help ensure that private schools follow best practices regarding student health and safety.

Your Committees have amended this measure by making it effective upon its approval.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2248, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2248, H.D. 1, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means,

________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair

________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair