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SB2082
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
2082
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING
TO TEACHER WORKFORCE HOUSING
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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 a stable, qualified, and supported teacher workforce is
essential to ensuring that the State's public school students receive a
high-quality education that meets their academic, social, and cultural needs.
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The legislature further finds that the
State continues to experience persistent teacher shortages, particularly in
public schools classified as rural or underserved, where geographic isolation,
limited housing availability, and the high cost of living create significant
barriers to teacher recruitment and long-term retention.
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Housing costs across the State have risen
dramatically in recent years, disproportionately impacting educators whose
salaries do not align with the cost of living in the communities they serve.
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The legislature further finds that many
teachers in rural or underserved areas are forced to commute long distances,
secure overcrowded or unstable housing, or leave the profession altogether due
to housing insecurity, resulting in disruptions to school continuity and
student learning.
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High rates of teacher
turnover negatively affect student outcomes, school climate, and community
stability, with rural and underserved schools experiencing these impacts most
acutely.
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The legislature believes that targeted
housing assistance is an effective strategy to improve teacher retention,
support educator well-being, and ensure that public schools in high-need areas
are staffed with experienced and committed educators.
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Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to
establish a teacher workforce housing stipend program to support the
recruitment and retention of teachers at public schools classified as rural or
underserved, strengthen the State's public education system, and advance
educational equity for students across the State.
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SECTION 2.
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Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new
section to part III, subpart E, to be appropriately designated and to read as
follows:
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�302A-
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Teacher workforce housing; stipend
program; rural and underserved schools.
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(a)
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There is established a teacher workforce
housing stipend program to be administered by the department to support teacher
retention at any public school designated as rural or in an underserved area.
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(b)
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An individual shall be
eligible for stipend consideration if the individual:
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(1)
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Is employed full-time by the
department in a public school in an area designated as rural or underserved;
and
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(2)
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Does not own a residence within
commuting distance from the school at which they are employed.
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(c)
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Stipend recipients shall receive $1,000 per
month; provided that stipends awarded shall be used only for rent, mortgage
payments, or utilities.
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Recipients of
the teacher workforce housing stipend shall submit annual documentation
verifying the usage of the stipend for housing purposes pursuant to this
subsection.
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(d)
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Immediately following an award of a stipend,
the recipient shall commit to teaching at a public school in an area designated
as rural or underserved for a minimum of three years.
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A stipend recipient may continue to receive a
stipend pursuant to this section following the completion of the designated
number of years; provided that the recipient continues to meet eligibility
requirements pursuant to subsection (b).
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(e)
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If the recipient fails to satisfy the work
requirements in accordance with subsection (d), the recipient shall repay the
total amount of the stipend funds received as a loan repayable to the
department.
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The repayment shall be
subject to the terms and conditions set by the department.
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(f)
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The department shall
submit
a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed
legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the
convening of the regular session for every even-numbered year, beginning with the
regular session of
2028.
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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
establishment and administration of the teacher workforce housing stipend
program established pursuant to section 2 of this Act.
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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:
DOE;
Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program; Workforce Housing; Reports; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes
a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program at public schools classified as
rural or underserved.
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Requires the
Department of Education to administer the program and report findings to the
Legislature.
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Appropriates funds.
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