STAND. COM. REP. NO. 494

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 54

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 54, 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 establish and appropriate funds for a Nationally Certified School Psychologist Incentive Program within the Department of Education.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Department of Education; Hawai‘i Association of School Psychologists; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; National Association of School Psychologists; Hawaii State Teachers Association; Hawai‘i State Youth Commission; Hawai‘i Children's Action Network Speaks!; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of Collective Bargaining.

Your Committee finds that school psychologists provide effective services to help children and youth with their social-emotional learning needs and can work with parents, educators, and other professionals to create supportive learning and social environments for all children. This measure will assist the Department of Education in filling the mental health services needs of students in the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 54, 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 Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair