THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
2846
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to Students with Disabilities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II, subpart c, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"[Underlined: §302A- ] [Underlined: Students with disabilities; individualized education programs; evacuation plans.] [Underlined: (a) If deemed appropriate by the student's individualized education program team, the individualized education program implemented for a public school student with a disability pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, title 20 United States Code section 1400 et seq., may contain language addressing individualized accommodations and supports required by the student during an emergency situation or evacuation; provided that this section shall not apply to students with disabilities enrolled in a nonpublic special education school or program pursuant to section 302A-443.5.]
[Underlined: (b) In developing the individualized accommodation and support language under subsection (a), the school's educational officers shall provide support to the applicable individualized education program team, as necessary.]
[Underlined: (c) During the development of an initial individualized education program for a student with a disability, the individualized education program team shall determine whether the student would require individualized accommodations or supports during an emergency situation or evacuation.]
[Underlined: (d) The department shall provide guidance to department schools explaining how to support individualized education program teams in the teams' consideration of specific accommodations and supports the schools may provide for students with disabilities, including students with mobility impairments, during emergency situations. Any provided accommodations and supports shall take into account the unique context of a student's disability in the educational setting.]"
SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
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Report Title:
HDOE; IDEA; IEP; Students with Disabilities; Emergency Situations; Evacuation Plans
Description:
Authorizes the inclusion of language addressing individualized accommodations and supports during emergency situations and evacuations in individualized education programs for students with disabilities. Requires support and guidance from the Department of Education.
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