RELATING TO STUDENT SAFETY.

HB2445

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2445

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to student safety
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

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SECTION 1.
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The legislature finds that schools must
remain safe, stable, and supportive environments for all students. Unplanned
law enforcement or immigration enforcement activity on or near school campuses
may cause fear, disruption to learning, and emotional distress for students and
families.

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The
legislature further finds that while public schools must comply with applicable
law, the department of education has a responsibility to ensure that school
personnel are trained, prepared, and guided by clear protocols that prioritize
student safety, continuity of education, and lawful due process.

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The purpose of this Act is to
require the department of education to develop, establish, and implement a
standardized emergency response plan governing immigration enforcement activity
at or near public schools, including training, communication protocols, and
safeguards for students and families.

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SECTION 2.
�
Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as
follows:

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"
�302A-
�
Immigration
enforcement activity; school emergency response plan.
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(a)
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The department shall develop,
adopt, and implement a standardized emergency response plan for public schools
to address immigration enforcement activities occurring on or near school
campuses during instructional hours or school-sponsored activities.

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(b)
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The emergency response plan required pursuant to this section shall be
designed to:

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(1)
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Protect student
safety and emotional well-being;

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(2)
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Minimize
disruption to the educational environment;

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(3)
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Ensure
compliance with applicable state and federal law; and

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(4)
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Provide clear
guidance to school administrators and staff when immigration enforcement
activity occurs on or near school campuses.

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(c)
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The
emergency response plan required pursuant to this section shall include, but
not be limited to the following components:

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(1)
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Protocols for
law enforcement presence, including:

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(A)
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Procedures
for school administrators when approached by immigration enforcement officials;

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(B)
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Requirements
that any request to access school grounds or student records be referred to
designated department legal counsel or administrators; and

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(C)
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Guidance
regarding warrants, subpoenas, and consent, consistent with state and federal
law;

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(2)
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Student protection measures, including:

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(A)
�
Procedures
to ensure students are not questioned, detained, or removed from a school
campus without appropriate legal authorization;

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(B)
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Prohibitions
on school personnel assisting in immigration enforcement activities beyond what
is legally required by state and federal law; and

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(C)
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Protocols
to keep students supervised and safe at all times;

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(3)
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Parental and
guardian communication, including:

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(A)
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Timely
notification procedures for parents or legal guardians when immigration
enforcement activity affects school operations or student dismissal, to the
extent permitted by law; and

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(B)
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Multilingual
communication protocols where practicable;

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(4)
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Staff training,
including:

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(A)
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Mandatory
training for school administrators, teachers, and relevant staff on the
emergency response plan; and

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(B)
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Training
that includes legal guidance, trauma-informed practices, and student
de-escalation strategies;

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(5)
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Coordination
with complex areas and relevant state agencies; and

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(6)
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Periodic review
and updates of the emergency response plan to reflect changes in law or best
practices.

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(d)
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Personally identifiable student information
shall be protected in accordance with state and federal privacy laws, including
the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended.

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(e)
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Nothing in this section shall be construed to
obstruct or interfere with lawful law enforcement activity conducted pursuant
to valid legal authority.

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(f)
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Nothing in this section shall create a duty
for school personnel to determine a student's immigration status.

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(g)
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The department shall submit a report to the
legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular
session describing:

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(1)
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Implementation
of the emergency response plan required pursuant to this section;

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(2)
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Training
conducted pursuant to the emergency response plan; and

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(3)
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Any other
findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation.

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(h)
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The department may adopt rules pursuant to
chapter 91 to implement the purposes of this section.
"

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SECTION 3.
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New statutory material is underscored.

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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Department
of Education; Public Schools Immigration Enforcement; Emergency Response Plan

Description:

Requires
the Department of Education to develop, establish, and implement a standardized
emergency response plan governing immigration enforcement activity at or near
public schools.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.