Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB2574

Introduced
1/24/24  
Refer
1/26/24  
Introduced
1/24/24  

Caption

Relating To Education.

Impact

The bill seeks to promote better health and academic performance among students by ensuring they receive adequate sleep. By standardizing start times to 8:30 a.m. or later, the legislation aims to address concerns related to student fatigue, irritability, and attention issues in the classroom. Furthermore, the Hawaii Department of Education is instructed to adjust school bus and meal schedules to accommodate the new start times, indicating a comprehensive approach to the implementation of this bill.

Summary

House Bill 2574 is a legislative proposal aimed at modifying the start times for public elementary, middle, and high schools in Hawaii, mandating that these institutions commence their school days no earlier than 8:30 a.m. This change aligns with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which highlights the detrimental effects of early start times on students' sleep, attention levels, and overall academic performance. Currently, almost all public high schools in Hawaii begin their school days before this recommended time, potentially impacting student wellbeing and learning outcomes.

Contention

There may be potential challenges associated with the implementation of HB 2574, particularly concerning logistical adjustments within the school system. Although the bill provides for a waiver system, allowing certain schools to apply for exemptions from the mandated start times, it raises questions about its feasibility for all public schools, especially those with pre-existing schedules and configurations. Stakeholders, including school administrators and parents, may have differing opinions on the benefits versus the challenges this new regulation could impose.

Companion Bills

HI SB2016

Same As Relating To Education.

Previously Filed As

HI SB133

Relating To Education.

HI SB133

Relating To Education.

HI SB2016

Relating To Education.

HI HB333

Relating To Education.

HI SB63

Relating To Education.

HI SR30

Requesting The Department Of Education To Conduct A Study On The Implementation Of Later School Start Times.

HI SCR42

Requesting The Department Of Education To Conduct A Study On The Implementation Of Later School Start Times.

HI HCR174

Requesting The Department Of Education To Conduct A Study On The Implementation Of Later School Start Times.

HI SB1125

Local educational agencies: educational programs.

HI SCR165

Urging The Department Of Education To Start High Schools No Earlier Than 9:00 A.m. And Elementary And Middle Schools No Earlier Than 8:30 A.m.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.