Bill > SB814

This bill allows certain undocumented students to be considered residents of Hawaii for university tuition, financial assistance, and program participation purposes. Specifically, the bill defines an "undocumented student" as someone who is not a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or non-immigrant alien and lacks legal documentation. To qualify for resident status, such a student must meet four key conditions: (1) have established residency in Hawaii by living there for at least 12 consecutive months, (2) have attended a U.S. high school for at least three years, (3) have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent, and (4) have either filed for or expressed intent to file for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) with the Department of Homeland Security. The legislature's rationale for this bill includes recognizing that DACA recipients are often individuals who came to the U.S. as children, supporting their access to higher education, and believing that increasing educational opportunities for residents can help address Hawaii's economic challenges by preparing students for higher-paying jobs. The bill aims to provide additional pathways for undocumented students to pursue postsecondary education at the University of Hawaii, in alignment with the state constitution's educational provisions.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=814&year=2026