Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB241

Introduced
1/17/25  
Refer
1/21/25  
Report Pass
2/4/25  
Refer
2/4/25  
Report Pass
2/13/25  

Caption

Relating To Child Care.

Impact

The implemented pilot program will officially start no later than July 1, 2026, and end on June 30, 2028. The Department of Human Services is tasked with overseeing the program, including monitoring utilization rates and ensuring performance standards are met among service providers. Each county will provide at least one classroom under the program, potentially benefiting numerous families who require assistance. The bill outlines the conditions under which child care centers may receive contracts, disallowing contracts with centers part of private educational institutions to comply with existing state constitutional provisions.

Summary

House Bill 241 establishes a pilot program in Hawaii focusing on child care classroom contracts. The bill's primary goal is to subsidize child care services by contracting out classrooms in licensed infant and toddler care centers and group child care centers. In the first quarter of the fiscal year 2022-2023, over fifteen thousand families utilized subsidies to afford child care services, highlighting the need for stable funding mechanisms for these critical services. By providing contracts directly to child care providers, the bill aims to create a more reliable funding source so that centers do not have to rely solely on fluctuating enrollment figures.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 241 appears to be positive, with strong support from advocates for child care access and stability. The bill addresses significant concerns about disruptions in child care services, which many families depend on for their children under the age of five. The framing of the bill positions it as essential for the stability of child care providers, which is critical for fostering family satisfaction and supporting workforce participation among parents.

Contention

Despite the general support for the bill, some points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of resources and the effectiveness of the pilot program. Questions concerning the adequacy of the funding and whether the contracts will be sufficient to ensure consistent care and service availability could lead to debates once the program is operational. Additionally, the sunset provision of the pilot program raises concerns about the long-term commitment to child care subsidies in Hawaii, and there may be calls for more permanent solutions to child care funding needs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI HB2535

Relating To Child Care.

HI HB502

Relating To Child Care.

HI HB502

Relating To Child Care.

HI HB391

Relating To Child Care.

HI HB391

Relating To Child Care.

HI HB547

Relating To Early Child Care.

HI HB547

Relating To Early Child Care.

HI HB1964

Relating To Early Child Care.

HI HB504

Relating To Child Care.

HI HB504

Relating To Child Care.

Similar Bills

HI HB2535

Relating To Child Care.

WV HB4733

To allow classroom aides with 10 or more years of service and good evaluations to bid on teaching positions

WV HB2761

To allow classroom aides with 10 or more years of service and good evaluations to bid on teaching positions

CA AB2292

Child care: reimbursement rates: startup costs: grants.

TX HB354

Relating to the adoption of teacher performance contracts for classroom teachers and an increased basic allotment for school districts that adopt those contracts.

WV HB4579

To prohibit punishment for teachers who refuse to use pronouns inconsistent with a child’s sex

WV HB3001

To prohibit punishment for teachers who refuse to use pronouns inconsistent with a child’s sex

WV HB2039

Expunging records of unsubstantiated complaints made by the Department of Health and Human Resources against teachers