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HB2556
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
2556
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to education
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION
1.
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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-
�
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Emergency
preparedness; safety and security.
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(a)
�
To ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school staff:
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(1)
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All classroom
doors shall be retrofitted with an interior lock by January 1, 2027;
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(2)
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All classrooms
and outside gathering spaces shall be connected to a public address system that
is independent of the school's phone system by January 1, 2027;
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(3)
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All schools shall be equipped with an
emergency access route which features more than one entrance and exit by
January 1, 2027; and
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(4)
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All classrooms and outside gathering spaces
shall feature functioning fire alarms with both an auditory and visual
component.
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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-
�
��
Emergency
management plan; emergency preparedness.
�
(a)
�
The department
shall
establish an emergency management plan for all schools to prepare for and
respond to an emergency or disaster, as defined in section 127A-2.
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Emergency management plans shall be updated
on a yearly basis and shall include:
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(1)
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Mandatory
emergency preparedness training for all teachers, students, and school staff
that includes:
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(A)
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Annual
training for all teachers and staff on violence prevention, awareness,
reporting, and emergency response conducted in conjunction with law enforcement
and aligned with best practices;
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(B)
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Annual,
age-appropriate training for all students on violence prevention, awareness,
reporting, and emergency response that is aligned with established best
practices;
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(C)
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Teacher,
staff, and student training on the protocol for initiating an emergency
response;
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(D)
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Teacher,
staff, and student training on a standardized emergency response protocol;
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(E)
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Basic
safety training such as first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation for all
teachers and security personnel; and
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(F)
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Parent and guardian access to relevant
information regarding emergency response plans; and
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(2)
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At least four
emergency practice drills per year at each school, some of which shall occur
during inopportune times of the school day such as recess or during a school
assembly, to address the following emergency situations:
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(A)
�
Lock down;
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(B)
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Fire;
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(C)
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Severe weather; and
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(D)
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Active shooter.
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(b)
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Each school shall regularly test their public
address system and fire alarms, no less than once every three months.
"
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SECTION 3.
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There is appropriated out of the general
revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $
�������
or so much thereof as may be necessary
for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the implementation of the emergency preparedness
procedures and equipment outlined above.
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The sum
appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes
of this Act.
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SECTION
4.
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New statutory material is
underscored.
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SECTION 5.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
Education;
School Safety; Emergency Preparedness; Appropriation
Description:
Requires
the department of education to equip all classroom doors with interior locks,
maintain a public address system, feature an emergency access route, and
maintain fire alarms.
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Mandates the
establishment of a school emergency management plan.
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Requires schools to conduct regular testing
and emergency preparedness drills.
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Appropriates funds.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.