HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
627
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to school safety.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that state funding for school security is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and staff. By investing in security measures, the State can create safer learning environments that promote academic achievement and reduce anxiety. Ultimately, state funding for school security is a proactive step to protect our schools and ensure that students can focus on learning without fear.
The legislature further finds that funding is critically needed for school safety measures, including active threat response training, hazardous material disposal contracts, school safety equipment, threat assessment and reporting, and fire safety.
The department of education requires the following positions to implement and maintain school safety measures:
(1) Targeted violence prevention and threat assessment program manager, who will:
(A) Create and execute the statewide behavior threat assessment and management framework to align with the Hawaii targeted violence prevention strategy and implementation plan and to establish guidelines, protocols, and procedures across all schools; and
(B) Liaison with the office of homeland security, university of Hawaii, threat team Hawaii, forensic psychology experts, and other organizations; and
(2) Fire safety and security technology program manager, who will:
(A) Be responsible for planning, executing, and delivering fire safety and security technological initiatives and programs across the department;
(B) Ensure schools meet fire safety standards to pass annual fire safety inspections; and
(C) Assist schools with the installation and maintenance of their fire alarm systems.
The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of education for positions to implement and maintain school safety measures.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $15,800,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the following positions to implement and maintain school safety measures:
(1) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) targeted violence prevention and threat assessment program manager; and
(2) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) fire safety and security technology program manager.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
INTRODUCED BY:
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Report Title:
DOE; School Safety, Positions; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds to the Department of Education for positions to implement and maintain school safety measures.
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