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Bill

Bill

SB 1176

RELATING TO STATE COMPUTER LANGUAGE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Angus McKelvey

Hawaii bill proposes designating an official state computer programming language to signal tech industry priorities and potentially influence state education and procurement practices.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · SB 1176

Legislative bill overview

SB 1176 addresses the designation of an official state computer programming language for Hawaii. The bill, introduced by Senator Angus McKelvey, has progressed through initial readings and committee referrals but was carried over to the 2026 legislative session before advancement. The specific language being proposed is not detailed in the available action summary.

Why is this important

While symbolic in nature, designating a state computer language can reflect Hawaii's economic priorities and educational focus in technology sectors. Such designations may influence state procurement decisions, educational curriculum emphasis, and the state's positioning in the tech industry, though practical impact depends heavily on implementation details.

Potential points of contention

  • Practical relevance: Critics may question whether symbolic designations of programming languages provide tangible benefits versus addressing concrete tech workforce or infrastructure needs
  • Technology neutrality: Some may argue the state should remain neutral on technical standards rather than endorsing specific languages that may become obsolete or less relevant
  • Implementation costs: If the designation triggers requirements for state systems to adopt or prioritize the language, there could be significant IT modernization and training expenses

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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