Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 421: RELATING TO LITERACY.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 421 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 16, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO LITERACY. Primary sponsor: KIDANI, AQUINO, Stanley Chang (Democratic), Lynn DeCoite (Democratic), Kurt Fevella (Republican), Mike Gabbard (Democratic), Troy Hashimoto (Democratic), Lorraine Inouye (Democratic), Donna Kim (Democratic), Angus McKelvey (Democratic), Tim Richards (Democratic), Joy San Buenaventura (Democratic). It lists 2 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (December 8, 2025): Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Requires the Department of Education to administer a general dyslexia screening to all students in kindergarten through grade three. Requires the Department of Education to continue to administer the general English language arts universal screening for students in kindergarten through grade nine. Requires the Department of Education to collaborate with teacher training programs to ensure prospective candidates are trained on literacy instruction, including evidence-based intervention, to support all students. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 11 · Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIDANI | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| AQUINO | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Stanley Chang | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| Lynn DeCoite | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 7 |
| Kurt Fevella | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 20 |
| Mike Gabbard | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 21 |
| Troy Hashimoto | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 5 |
| Lorraine Inouye | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 1 |
| Donna Kim | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 14 |
| Angus McKelvey | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 6 |
| Tim Richards | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 4 |
| Joy San Buenaventura | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 2 |
| Sharon Moriwaki | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 12 |
| Glenn Wakai | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 15 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
- Reported from EDU (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 344) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.
- Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.
- The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EDU were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Kidani, Kim, Hashimoto, Kanuha, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
- The committee(s) on EDU has scheduled a public hearing on 02-07-25 3:08PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
- Referred to EDU, WAM.
- Introduced.
- Passed First Reading.