Hawaii HB599 mandates school resource officers or guards for department and charter schools, funded by federal grants and state appropriations.

Hawaii HB599 amends state statutes to require the Department of Education to assign school resource officers or guards to department and charter schools during school hours. The department must consider campus size, student population, and other safety factors when determining the number of officers or guards. The bill also requires these officers and guards to be trained in mass-shooting response and de-escalation. The department is directed to seek federal grants to cover hiring costs and to prioritize employing retirees from police and law enforcement departments.

Hawaii HB599 mandates school resource officers or guards for department and charter schools, funded by federal grants and state appropriations.

Hawaii HB599 amends state statutes to require the Department of Education to assign school resource officers or guards to department and charter schools during school hours. The department must consider campus size, student population, and other safety factors when determining the number of officers or guards. The bill also requires these officers and guards to be trained in mass-shooting response and de-escalation. The department is directed to seek federal grants to cover hiring costs and to prioritize employing retirees from police and law enforcement departments.