Governor Green recently signed five bills strengthening access to educational opportunities and supporting student success.

The newly enacted bills include the following:

SB 1300: EXPANDING ACCESS TO FREE SCHOOL MEALS

Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, Senate Bill 1300 expands access to free school meals for students who qualify for reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program. To further support ‘ohana classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), SB 1300 will expand again in the 2026-27 school year, providing free school meals to any public school student whose family income is below 300% of the federal poverty level. The bill appropriates more than $3.3 million to the Department of Education over the two school years to cover the cost of free meals.

In addition to providing free school meals to eligible students, SB 1300 prohibits an academic institution from denying a student a school meal due to an inability to pay.

 

HB 862: ADDRESSING SCHOOL BUS SHORTAGES

Due to a nationwide bus driver shortage, a number of school bus routes were suspended during the 2024–2025 academic school year. To reverse these suspensions and ensure transportation is not a barrier to education, Governor Green issued an emergency proclamation in August 2024, authorizing, among other provisions, the use of alternative vehicles to transport students to and from school. House Bill 862 codifies into statute this authorization and requires Department of Education staff to accompany students between drop-off and pick-up locations to ensure student safety. Using alternative vehicles such as small buses, motorcoaches and vans to transport students, will help maintain existing bus routes, supporting students’ continued access to a quality education.

 

HB 133: FUNDING FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC SURFING PROGRAMS

House Bill 133 appropriates $685,870 for both fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2027 to support the establishment of interscholastic surfing programs. These programs will provide students the opportunity to gain competitive experience and further pursue the sport they love.

The complete list of bills signed includes the following.

HB110 HD1 SD2 RELATING TO LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

HB1170 HD1 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RESIDENT TUITION FEE

 

Photo credit: Office of Governor Josh Green