Hawaii legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Hawaii HB1894: Relating to Education.
Status: Signed into law, July 14, 2026
Requires the Department of Education to include the instruction of braille and provision of braille instructional materials under certain circumstances; provide braille literacy support services; cooperate with the Department of Human Services when requested to submit information necessary to maintain a register of the blind in the State; provide comprehensive information about braille literacy services, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services, including educational programming options; and participate in the development of section 504 plans and individualized education programs.
What the bill says
A bill for an act relating to education.
From the enrolled text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION. SECTION 1. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the Hawaii Braille Literacy Education Act. SECTION 2. The legislature finds that literacy skills are fundamental to success in education, employment, and life for all members of society, including individuals with low vision and blindness. Braille is a tactile writing system that allows low vision and blind individuals to read by touch, using a system of raised dots that represent letters, numbers, and symbols. Braille literacy skills are widely understood as essential for low vision and blind students to actively learn, seek and maintain remunerative employment, engage in cultural enrichment and hobbies, and access opportunities in life regardless of disability. According to a 2018 study reported in the Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research, "individuals who were primary braille readers since childhood had greater life satisfaction, self-esteem, and job satisfaction than individuals who reported 2026--3299 HB1894 CD1 HMSO H.B. NO. ~ Page2 C.D. not using braille as their primary reading medium during childhood." Additionally, the study reported that "findings support the premise that braille literacy is key to life satisfaction and self-esteem in addition to academic and job success" and that those who are braille literate are more likely to gain high-quality employment. According to the Centers for Disease Control …
Sponsors
- Justin Woodson (D, 9) · primary sponsor
- Terez Amato (D, 11)
- Tina Grandinetti (D, 20)
- Ikaika Hussey (D, 29)
- Greggor Ilagan (D, 4)
- Jeanne Kapela (D, 5)
- Susan Keohokapu-Lee Loy (D, 2)
- Darius Kila (D, 44)
- Matthias Kusch (D, 1)
- Michael Lee (D, 50)
- Nicole Lowen (D, 7)
- Lisa Marten (D, 51)
Latest actions
- : Act 243, on 07/13/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1345).
- : Act 243, 07/13/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1345).
- : Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).
- : Transmitted to Governor.
- : Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816).
- : Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none.
- : Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).
- : 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26
- : Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 178-26).
- : Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26.
Votes
- Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1) (May 6, 2026): 25 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0) (May 6, 2026): 51 yea, 0 nay, passed
- none. (May 1, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Conference Committee Vote (May 1, 2026): 4 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Report adopted; Passed Third Reading (April 14, 2026): 25 yea, 0 nay, passed
- WAM: recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED (April 8, 2026): 13 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Report, Education, Appropriations, DOE, Rules, DHS, Study
Common questions
- What is HB1894?
- HB1894 is a bill in the Hawaii Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to Education.
- What does HB1894 do?
- In its own words: A bill for an act relating to education.
- What is the status of HB1894?
- Signed into law as of July 14, 2026. Latest action: Act 243, on 07/13/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1345). (July 14, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1894?
- Justin Woodson (D, 9), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1894?
- On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1894&year=2026
Source: official Hawaii record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.