Bill Text: HI HB59 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii House Bill 59

Introduced

Bill Title: Relating To Libraries At Public Schools.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 18-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-12-11 - Carried over to 2024 Regular Session. [HB59 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2024-HB59-Introduced.html

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	59
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to libraries at public schools.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that schools with a strong school library program and a certified school librarian provide their students with the best chance to succeed. The legislature further finds that more than sixty education and library research studies have produced clear evidence that school library programs staffed by qualified school librarians have a positive impact on students' academic achievement. These studies also clearly demonstrate that strong school library programs help all students do better academically, even when other school variables are considered. The legislature additionally finds that multiple studies over the last two decades have shown that having trained librarians in schools improves students' test scores, increases student participation in libraries, and can contribute to having larger and newer book collections.

Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to:

(1) Require a qualified school librarian and library resources on the campus of every public school in Hawaii; and

(2) Appropriate funds for these purposes.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A- School librarians; library resources. (a) No later than June 30, 2026, every public school in the State shall have access to a qualified school librarian and library resources on the campus of the school.

(b) As used in this section:

"Library resources" means any informational resource or material, regardless of format, that includes books, periodicals, audio and video recordings, projected media, closed-format materials, artwork, photographs, micro-materials, toys and games, computer software, and electronic databases.

"Qualified librarian" means a certified teacher who also hold a master's degree in library science."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 to provide a qualified librarian and library resources on the campus of every public school in the State.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

School Librarians; Library Resources; Public Schools; Appropriation

Description:

Requires a qualified school librarian and library resources on the campus of every public school in Hawaii by 6/30/2026. Appropriates funds.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.