Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB542

Introduced
1/22/21  

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To Article X, Section 1, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Require That The Statewide Public School System Be Thorough And Efficient.

Impact

If enacted, this bill is expected to fundamentally change how education is approached in Hawaii. By embedding the requirement for quality education into the state constitution, it may open the door for increased levels of funding and resources dedicated to public schools. The proposed amendment seeks to address long-standing disparities in education, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic, particularly among disadvantaged communities and special education students. The focus on a thorough and efficient education system aims to help Hawaii's schools meet the educational needs of their diverse student population more effectively.

Summary

SB542 proposes an amendment to Article X, Section 1, of the Hawaii State Constitution, aiming to ensure that the statewide public school system is 'thorough and efficient.' The bill highlights the current inadequacies in Hawaii's public education system, including a significant teacher shortage, deteriorating school facilities, and insufficient funding compared to other states. It emphasizes the need for systematic changes to improve educational outcomes for all students, particularly in light of challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contention

Notably, the amendment could spark debates regarding state versus local control over educational policy. Some lawmakers may raise concerns about the implications of defining 'thorough and efficient,' and how that affects existing educational practices and funding allocations. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on how to adequately measure and ensure educational quality across the state, which could lead to increased scrutiny and demands for accountability within the public education system.

Companion Bills

HI HB690

Same As Proposing An Amendment To Article X, Section 1, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Require That The Statewide Public School System Be Thorough And Efficient.

Previously Filed As

HI SB2056

Proposing Amendments To Articles Viii And X Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Authorize The Legislature To Establish A Surcharge On Residential Investment Property To Increase Funding For Public Education.

HI HB1537

Proposing Amendments To Articles Viii And X Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Authorize The Legislature To Establish A Surcharge On Residential Investment Property To Increase Funding For Public Education.

HI HB1714

Proposing Amendments To Article X, Section 2 And Article Xviii, Section 12, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Local Elected School Boards.

HI SB1100

Proposing Amendments To Article Vii, Section 12, Of The Hawaii Constitution To Authorize The Counties To Issue Tax Increment Bonds.

HI HB1457

Proposing Amendments To Article Vii, Section 12, Of The Hawaii Constitution To Authorize The Counties To Issue Tax Increment Bonds.

HI SB927

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI HB1168

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI SB631

Proposing An Amendment To Article X, Section 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Modify The Appointment Process For The Board Of Regents Of The University Of Hawaii.

HI SB1295

Proposing Amendments To Article Vii, Sections 12 And 13, Of The Hawaii Constitution To Expressly Provide That The Legislature May Authorize The Counties To Issue Tax Increment Bonds And To Exclude Tax Increment Bonds From Determinations Of The Funded Debt Of The Counties.

HI SB3051

Proposing Amendments To Article Vii, Sections 12 And 13, Of The Hawaii Constitution To Expressly Provide That The Legislature May Authorize The Counties To Issue Tax Increment Bonds And To Exclude Tax Increment Bonds From Determinations Of The Funded Debt Of The Counties.

Similar Bills

HI HB930

Proposing An Amendment To Article X, Section 1, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Require That The Statewide Public School System Be Thorough And Efficient.

HI HB690

Proposing An Amendment To Article X, Section 1, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Require That The Statewide Public School System Be Thorough And Efficient.

WV HB2734

Requiring K–12 schools to display school report card on website

WV HB2580

Requiring an annual test for students to advance to the next grade level

NJ A961

Establishes a formula for the distribution of State aid to school districts.

NJ S667

Establishes a formula for the distribution of State aid to school districts.

NJ A1097

Establishes a formula for the distribution of State aid to school districts.

WV SB912

Relating to student growth assessment program