Bill > SB814

This bill allows certain undocumented students to be considered residents of Hawaii for the purposes of university tuition, financial assistance, and program participation. 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 students must meet four key conditions: (1) have established residency in Hawaii by living in the state for at least 12 consecutive months, (2) have attended a U.S. high school (public or private) for at least three years, (3) have graduated from a U.S. high school or obtained an equivalent diploma, and (4) have either filed for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) with federal immigration services or filed an affidavit of intent to do so. The bill is motivated by the legislature's recognition of the DACA program, which provides protection from deportation for individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children, and aims to support these students' access to higher education and potential for better economic opportunities. By allowing these undocumented students to be considered state residents for university purposes, the bill seeks to increase educational access and support for this population, which the legislature views as a matter of statewide concern.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=814&year=2025