WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SCR 215

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO IMPLEMENT A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN PILOT PROGRAM AT JAMES CAMPBELL HIGH SCHOOL, FOCUSING ON ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR TROUBLED YOUTH.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kurt Fevella and 6 co-sponsors

The bill urges the Department of Education to establish a veterinary technician pilot at James Campbell High School focusing on animal-assisted therapy to aid troubled youth.

Referred to EDU.
#departmentofeducation #jamescampbellhighschool #pilotprogram #veterinarytechnician
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SCR 215

SCR 215 — Summary

Overview

SCR 215 is a concurrent resolution in the Hawaii Legislature (Regular Session 2025) that requests the Department of Education (DOE) to implement a veterinary technician pilot program at James Campbell High School (JCHS), with a focus on animal-assisted therapy for troubled youth. The resolution notes JCHS has already pursued related steps, including securing early college classes through Windward Community College, and envisions potential statewide expansion if successful.

  • Status: Referred to the House Committee on Education (EDU)
  • Introduced: March 7, 2025
  • Classification: Concurrent resolution
  • Subject: Department of Education; James Campbell High School; Pilot Program; Veterinary Technician

Purpose and Intent

  • To authorize and urge the DOE to establish a veterinary technician pilot program at JCHS that includes animal-assisted therapy for troubled youth.
  • To leverage animal care activities to promote empathy, responsibility, emotional growth, and exposure to veterinary-related career pathways.
  • To create a framework that could be scaled to additional schools statewide if the pilot proves successful.

Key Provisions and Requirements

The resolution outlines a set of standards intended to ensure a safe, effective program, including:

  1. Comprehensive Training

    • Mandatory, thorough training for both staff and students.
    • To be provided by qualified organizations (e.g., Hawaii Humane Society).

  2. Supervision

    • Ongoing oversight by qualified staff and instructors to ensure proper animal handling and safety.

  3. Safety Protocols

    • Strict adherence to established safety protocols to protect students and animals.

  4. Liability Coverage

    • Appropriate insurance coverage addressing potential liability arising from student–animal interactions.

  5. Pilot at JCHS

    • The program would be implemented as a pilot at James Campbell High School, with potential to expand to other schools statewide based on outcomes.

Affected Parties and Scope

  • Primary beneficiary: Students at James Campbell High School, particularly those identified as troubled youth, who would participate in the veterinary technician program and animal-assisted therapy activities.
  • DOE and JCHS administration and staff, who would implement and oversee the pilot.
  • Potential partners: Organizations offering veterinary and animal-assisted therapy training (e.g., Hawaii Humane Society) and Windward Community College (existing early college connections).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The resolution is a request to the DOE, not a directive creating immediate law or program funding.
  • Certification: Copies of the concurrent resolution would be transmitted to the Superintendent of Education and the Principal of James Campbell High School.
  • Related measures: SR 190 is a companion bill in the Senate.

Sponsors and Related Measures

  • Sponsors (primary and co-sponsors) include Hashimoto, Kidani, McKelvey, Fevella, Kim, Richards, with San Buenaventura as a co-sponsor.
  • Related Bill: SR 190 (companion).

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Educational and therapeutic impact: If implemented, the program could advance emotional well-being and life skills while exposing students to careers in veterinary science and animal care.
  • Implementation considerations: Funding, program evaluation, partnerships with animal welfare organizations, student safety, and alignment with district policies.
  • Status note: As a resolution, the measure expresses legislative intent and requests action by the DOE rather than creating new law or mandatory funding.

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

Sign in to ask a question.