Bill Text: HI SB1341 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating To The Department Of Education.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-12-11 - Carried over to 2024 Regular Session. [SB1341 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2024-SB1341-Introduced.html

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THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1341
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the way schools operate, including creating additional processes and procedures to keep children as safe as possible from getting COVID-19.  Pursuant to Act 4, Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2021, the department of education publishes a weekly report on schools that have a student, staff member, or affiliated individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.  However, it is a fine balance between reporting of COVID-19 cases and an individual's right to privacy, especially when it comes to publicly sharing case information involving children.  When a COVID-19 case is identified, the department's safety protocol requires immediate notification to individuals who may have come into close contact with the infected person, while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with state and federal law.

     The frequency of disclosure by the department regarding COVID-19 case information could affect the department's ability to protect individuals from being identified, harassed, and socially discriminated against.  Further, public schools are facing difficulty with minimizing classroom disruptions due to the increased level of inquiries beyond the immediate school community.

     As of August 1, 2022, the department no longer requires masking indoors on its school campuses due to the changes in public health guidelines from the department of health.  Coupled with the prevalence of home testing, it has become increasingly difficult to accurately report on the number of COVID-19 cases at schools.  The department will continue to enforce its overlapping mitigation strategies of practicing good hand washing hygiene, staying home when sick, and promoting vaccinations.

     The purpose of this Act is to repeal the department's COVID-19 weekly reporting requirements as mandated by Act 4, Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2021.

     SECTION 2.  Act 4, Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2021, is repealed.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________
	BY REQUEST

 

 

Report Title:

Department of Education; Schools; Report; COVID-19

 

Description:

Repeals the Department of Education's weekly report on schools that have reported positive COVID-19 cases.

 

 

 

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