Hawaii House Bill HR29

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/10/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education To Assess And Report To The Legislature Whether And To What Extent Existing Curriculum And Training Align With Erin's Law.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the need for a thorough review of current educational practices in light of Erin's Law, prompting the Department of Education to evaluate its programs for effectiveness and compliance. By calling for this assessment, HR29 aims to ensure that Hawaii's educational system is properly equipped to protect children from abuse and to provide necessary resources and support for students and their families. This could lead to amendments in local educational policies and an enhancement of training protocols, ultimately fostering a safer environment for children in schools.

Summary

House Resolution 29 (HR29) requests the Hawaii Department of Education to assess the alignment of its existing curriculum and training programs related to child sexual abuse prevention with Erin's Law. This law, initially adopted in Illinois, has been implemented in several states and aims to educate students about recognizing and reporting child sexual abuse. HR29 highlights the importance of ensuring that educational institutions effectively deliver age-appropriate materials to equip students, school personnel, and parents with knowledge and tools to address this critical issue.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HR29 may arise from the execution of its directives—specifically, how the Department of Education collaborates with advocacy groups in the assessment process. Stakeholders might have differing views on which organizations should be involved and the methodologies used to evaluate the compatibility of existing curricula with Erin's Law requirements. Furthermore, there could be debates on resource allocation for implementing any recommended legislative changes resulting from the assessment, which could impact local education budgets and priorities.