Bill > HCR74

This concurrent resolution urges the Governor of Hawaii to reconsider his decision to not allow the state to participate in the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program, which is set to begin in 2027. This federal program offers a tax credit of up to $1,700 for voluntary donations to certified scholarship granting organizations (SGOs), which are charities that use at least 90% of their funds for scholarships. These scholarships are intended for students eligible for public elementary or secondary school who come from households earning no more than 300% of the area's median gross income, and the funds can be used for various educational expenses like private school tuition, tutoring, or support for students with disabilities. The program is funded by private contributions and the federal tax code, not state money, and participation by a state requires an opt-in decision made by its Governor. Twenty-three other states have already chosen to participate, and while residents of non-participating states can still donate and receive the tax credit, their contributions will benefit SGOs and students in participating states rather than Hawaii. The resolution highlights Hawaii's current educational proficiency rates and disparities, suggesting that opting into this program would provide additional financial resources and empower families with more educational choices without impacting state revenues or public school funding.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=74&year=2026