Bill > SB1608

This bill requires the Department of Education to assign school resource officers (SROs) or registered guards to both public schools and charter schools during student hours, with a focus on ensuring campus safety. The officers will be specifically trained in mass-shooting response and de-escalation techniques, and their assignment to each school will be determined by factors such as campus size, student population, and other safety considerations. The department is instructed to seek federal grants to help cover the costs of hiring these officers and is encouraged to prioritize hiring retirees from local police departments and law enforcement agencies during the recruitment process. The bill appropriates funding for these positions for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the goal of implementing these safety measures starting July 1, 2025. By creating provisions for both public schools and charter schools, the bill aims to provide a consistent approach to school safety across different types of educational institutions in Hawaii.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1608&year=2026