THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2381
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018		S.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO SCHOOL CLOSURES.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that each school's ability to cope with natural disasters and emergencies is unique, and that a quick and timely school closure could make the difference between a safe and an unsafe evacuation for students and faculty.  The legislature further finds that a school's principal is the most qualified administrator to make the decision to close a school in a timely fashion and that requiring additional procedures prior to closing the school, such as consulting with a complex area superintendent, could impede the timely evacuation of the school.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to give school principals the authority to close schools due to emergencies created by natural disasters without needing to consult with the complex area superintendent.

     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 closure.  A school's principal may close the school in the event of an emergency created by a natural disaster if the school's principal determines that the natural disaster creates unsafe conditions for students and faculty.  The school's principal may make this decision without consultation with, and approval from, the complex area superintendent."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

 

 

Report Title:

School Closure; Natural Disasters

 

Description:

Authorizes a school's principal to close the school without consulting the complex area superintendent in the event of an emergency created by a natural disaster if the principal deems it unsafe for students and faculty.  (SB2381 HD1)

 

 

 

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