Bill > HB625

This bill establishes a nationally certified school psychologist incentive program within Hawaii's Department of Education to recognize and support exemplary school psychologists who obtain the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential from the National Association of School Psychologists. The program offers multiple financial incentives, including an annual bonus for maintaining national certification, a one-time payment for completing the certification process, reimbursement of certification application fees, and an additional annual bonus for psychologists working in hard-to-fill areas. The bill authorizes the department to create rules for implementing the program and appropriates an unspecified amount of general state revenue to fund these incentives for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The goal appears to be encouraging school psychologists to pursue advanced professional certification and to work in underserved regions by providing financial recognition and support. The program will be administered by the Department of Education, with the effectiveness date set for July 1, 3000 (which is likely a typographical error and probably meant to be 2030).

Business and Industry, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=625&year=2026