Bill > HB1170

This bill aims to simplify residency requirements for tuition purposes at the University of Hawaii by allowing high school graduates from Hawaii to qualify for in-state (resident) tuition rates under certain conditions. Specifically, the bill enables students who have graduated from a Hawaii high school within the past two years and are enrolling in an undergraduate degree program to be considered residents for tuition purposes, regardless of their previous residency status or tax dependency. The legislature recognizes that the current residency rules can create challenges for students with complex family situations or experiencing homelessness, making it difficult to prove residency. By automatically qualifying recent high school graduates for resident tuition rates, the bill seeks to facilitate higher education access and support local students in pursuing postsecondary education. The new provision provides an alternative pathway to resident tuition status beyond the existing 12-month residency and tax dependency requirements, with the goal of increasing enrollment and supporting students in achieving their educational and career goals. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving the University of Hawaii time to implement the new tuition residency rules.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1170&year=2025