STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1375

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 503

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 503, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Board of Education to work with the Department of Education to conduct an analysis on the need, impact, and feasibility of making computer science a graduation requirement;

(2) Require the Board of Education to determine whether making computer science a graduation requirement would be in the best interests of public school students and the public;

(3) Require a report to the Legislature; and

(4) Appropriate funds for teacher professional development in computer science.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from HawaiiKidsCAN, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Code.org, Purple Mai‘a Foundation, TechNet, and four individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education and Board of Education.

Your Committee finds that computer science skills have become increasingly foundational to quality academic and career success. As a rapidly growing field, computer science and related skills provide increased job opportunities within the technology industry. Additionally, computer skills beyond basic technology literacy courses have become commonplace in the workplace, making basic computer science knowledge foundational for professionals. This measure solidifies the State's commitment to computer science education by preparing Hawaii's keiki for twenty-first century academic and career pathways.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

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

(2) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment 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. 503, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 503, 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