Income tax; depreciation for single-family residential rental property; revise a deduction

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bryce Berry and 3 co-sponsors

HB 616 enhances safety for educational workers by establishing harassment prevention policies and support systems, creating a secure environment for staff and students.

House Second Readers

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Purpose and Intent

House Bill 616 (HB 616) aims to enhance the safety and protection of educational workers within the Department of Education (DOE) and public charter schools. The bill addresses issues related to harassment and workplace safety, ensuring that educational environments are secure for both staff and students.

Key Provisions

Workplace Safety Measures: The bill proposes specific measures to improve the safety of educational workers, including protocols for reporting harassment and ensuring a safe working environment.

Harassment Prevention: It emphasizes the need for policies that prevent harassment in educational settings, providing a framework for addressing incidents effectively.

Support for Educational Workers: The bill seeks to establish support systems for educational workers who experience harassment, including counseling and legal resources.

Affected Parties

Educational Workers: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are teachers, administrators, and support staff within the DOE and public charter schools who may face harassment or unsafe working conditions.

Students: By creating a safer environment for educational workers, the bill indirectly benefits students by fostering a more secure and supportive learning atmosphere.

School Administration: School leaders will be tasked with implementing the new safety measures and policies outlined in the bill.

Legislative Timeline and Procedural Aspects

Introduced: January 17, 2025

First Reading: The bill passed its first reading on January 21, 2025.

Committee Reviews:

The bill was reviewed by the Education (EDN) Committee on January 30, 2025, where it was recommended for passage with amendments.
The bill then moved to the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) Committee, which reported it out on February 11, 2025, with further amendments.

Current Status: As of February 14, 2025, the bill has been reported from JHA as amended in HD 2 and is recommended for referral to the Finance (FIN) Committee.

Conclusion

HB 616 represents a significant step toward improving the safety and working conditions for educational workers in Hawaii. By addressing harassment and establishing safety protocols, the bill aims to create a more supportive environment for educators, ultimately benefiting the entire educational community. The ongoing legislative process will determine the final form and implementation of the bill's provisions.

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