STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1792

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 Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 503, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, 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 support computer science education in the State's public schools.

More specifically, the measure:

(1) Requires 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) Requires 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) Requires the Board of Education to report any findings to the Legislature; and

(4) Appropriates moneys for teachers' professional development in computer science.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from HawaiiKidsCAN, Code.org, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and two individuals.

Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from two individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Education and Board of Education.

Your Committee finds that expanding the availability of computer science education and supporting teachers' professional development in this field will help prepare the State's public school students for success in the classroom and their careers.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 503, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair