Bill > HB1188

This bill establishes a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program designed to support teacher retention in Hawaii's hard-to-staff public and charter schools. The program will provide monthly stipends to full-time educators who do not own a residence and work in designated hard-to-staff areas. Eligible teachers will receive a monthly stipend (specific amount not specified in the bill) that can only be used for rent or utilities, and recipients must commit to teaching in a hard-to-staff area for a minimum of three years. If a recipient fails to meet the work requirement, they will be required to repay the total amount of the stipend as a loan, with potential options for deferment or forgiveness under certain hardship conditions. The Department of Education will administer the program, with the ability to accept federal funds and potentially contract with collection agencies for delinquent repayments. The bill also modifies the existing Teachers' Housing Revolving Fund to include money received from stipend repayments and to support the new stipend program. Additionally, the department must submit reports to the Legislature about the program's findings and recommendations every two years, beginning in 2027. The legislation aims to address teacher retention challenges, reduce reliance on emergency hires, and support educational equity in Hawaii's schools.

Budget and Finance, Education, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1188&year=2026