Hawaii Senate Bill SR74

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education To Conduct A Wellness Visit For Any Child Who Has Been Removed From A Department Of Education School To Be Homeschooled.

Impact

The proposed resolution aims to fill a gap in current oversight related to homeschooled students in Hawaii. By mandating wellness visits for these children, the resolution seeks to improve the state's understanding of how children educated outside the traditional school system are faring. These visits could provide critical information to the Department of Education about educational outcomes and social conditions that might affect students who are not enrolled in conventional schooling. This could lead to better support systems and informed policies regarding home education.

Summary

Senate Resolution 74 (SR74) requests the Department of Education to conduct a wellness visit for any child who has been removed from a public school to be homeschooled. This initiative stems from concerns regarding the adequacy of oversight for homeschooled students and aims to ensure their welfare by establishing a process for such assessments. The resolution highlights the existing lack of an official procedure for timing these wellness visits and emphasizes the need for standardized practices to monitor homeschooled children's educational environment and overall well-being.

Contention

While the resolution does not appear to have significant opposition, it raises questions about the balance between education regulation and parental rights. Proponents of the resolution argue that wellness visits are essential for safeguarding children's interests and ensuring they receive a quality education while being homeschooled. Opponents may voice concerns regarding potential government overreach into personal freedoms and the implications of increased regulation on home education practices. The discussion around this bill is essential in shaping the future landscape of educational oversight for homeschooled children in Hawaii.