Bill Text: HI HB2121 | 2018 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Women In Technology At The University Of Hawaii.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-2)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-02-13 - Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Souki excused (1). [HB2121 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2018-HB2121-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2121 |
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TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the number of women graduating with degrees in computer science has decreased nationwide from thirty-seven per cent in 1985 to eighteen per cent in 2015. Women currently comprise only twenty-four per cent of the computing workforce. At the same time, computing jobs in the United States are growing at three times the rate of overall job creation. In 2015 there were more than a half million open computing jobs in the nation, but only forty thousand computer science graduates.
The legislature further finds that Hawaii has the goal of increasing the number of technology jobs in the State. This will require a well-trained and competent workforce to fill these positions. Increasing the number of women earning degrees in computer science will allow women to enter this growing job market and increase their quality of life.
The legislature further finds that while progress has been made in certain subjects through successful implementation of the STEM initiatives, there are fewer advanced placement exams taken in computer science than in any other STEM subject area. In Hawaii, only thirty-three per cent of advanced placement computer science exam takers were female.
The legislature further finds that other institutions of higher learning have taken measures that have successfully increased the number of women majoring in computer science. Chief among these measures is providing a learning environment that is supportive of women. Institutions of higher learning that have made the effort to market and tailor courses in computer science to women have seen an increase in women enrolled in these degree programs.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a virtual center for women in technology at the University of Hawaii.
SECTION 2. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new subpart to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
" . CENTER FOR WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY
§304A- Center for women in technology; establishment. (a) There is established at the University of Hawaii a virtual center for women in technology. The virtual center for women in technology shall:
(1) Advise and assist in the development of marketing and outreach to build interest in the computer science program among women;
(2) Review current curriculum and adopt teaching methods that are female friendly and guard against gender-based stereotypes;
(3) Set measurable goals to increase the number of women enrolled in the department of information and computer sciences and to build interest in the field among current and future female students;
(4) Coordinate programs with middle and high schools such as mentoring, summer workshops, after-school courses, and similar programs in computer science; and
(5) Serve as the clearinghouse for matters involving women in computer science in the State.
(b) The affairs and operations of the virtual center for women in technology shall be administered by a director appointed by, and responsible to, the chancellor of the University of Hawaii. The virtual center for women in technology shall draw on existing personnel within state government as much as possible for necessary supplementation. Where demand for programs and services exceeds the capabilities of the permanent staff as supplemented, additional personnel resources may be acquired on a contract basis without regard to chapter 76. Permanent staff shall be subject to chapter 76 or section 304A-1002 as may be appropriate.
(c) The virtual center for women in technology shall receive the full cooperation of all state agencies in the use of staff members, facilities, and other resources necessary to accomplish the purposes of this subpart.
(d) The director of the virtual center for women in technology shall prepare an annual report to the legislature on the status of the virtual center for women in technology programs and overall achievement. The annual report shall be submitted no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular legislative session."
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2112 and shall be repealed on June 30, 2023.
Report Title:
Virtual Center for Women in Technology; University of Hawaii
Description:
Establishes a Virtual Center for Women in Technology at the University of Hawaii. Repeals on June 30, 2023. (HB2121 HD1)
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
