Bill > SB64

This bill requires all public schools in Hawaii, including both department schools and charter schools, to employ or contract at least one mental health professional for every 250 students starting in the 2027-2028 school year. If a school has fewer than 250 students, it must still have at least one mental health professional. The bill defines a mental health professional as including licensed mental health counselors, psychologists, school psychologists, social workers, and certain exempt social workers. The Department of Education is required to submit a progress report to the legislature before the 2026 regular session, detailing their progress toward meeting this staffing requirement. The bill also appropriates funds to establish full-time equivalent mental health professional positions within the Department of Education and acknowledges that this appropriation will cause the state's general fund expenditure ceiling to be exceeded. The legislature justifies this expenditure by stating that it serves the public interest and meets critical needs. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving schools time to prepare for the new mental health professional staffing requirements.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=64&year=2025