STAND. COM. REP. NO. 955-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1894

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1894, 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 require and appropriate funds for the Department of Education to:

(1) Ensure that a section 504 plan or individualized education program for an eligible low-vision or blind student provides the opportunity to receive Braille educational services;

(2) Provide Braille literacy support services;

(3) Cooperate with the Department of Human Services when requested to submit information necessary to maintain a register of the blind in the State;

(4) Provide comprehensive information about Braille literacy services, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services, including educational programming options; and

(5) Participate in the development of section 504 plans and individualized education programs.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education; Disability and Communication Access Board; Special Education Advisory Council; Hawaii Disability Rights Center; National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1894, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

CHRIS TODD, Chair