STAND. COM. REP. NO. 604-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1997

H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Public Safety, to which was referred H.B. No. 1997, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Authorize the inclusion of provisions addressing individualized accommodations and supports during emergency situations and evacuations in individualized education programs for students with disabilities; and

(2) Require support and guidance from the Department of Education.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and six individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General; Department of Education; and Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Your Committee finds that students with disabilities experience emergency situations and evacuations differently than the general population based on their access needs, communication methods, mobility, health support needs, and reliance on individualized assistance. This measure recognizes that general evacuation and emergency plans do not address these types of needs. By addressing these needs through a student's Individualized Education Program, this measure helps advance inclusion, stability, and safety for students with disabilities.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Including within the scope of the measure Section 504 Plans implemented for a public school student with a disability pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title 29 United States Code Section 794 (Section 504), and Section 504 Plan Teams;

(2) Broadening the scope to include charter schools; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1997, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1997, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety,

____________________________

DELLA AU BELATTI, Chair