Committee advances framework for statewide Workforce Pell program
February 13, 2026 | House Committee on Human Services, House of Representatives, Legislative , Hawaii
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The House Committee on Higher Education voted Feb. 13 to pass HB 2383 (HD1), a bill that establishes a statewide framework for implementing Workforce Pell grants for certain short‑term workforce education and training programs and establishes a program approval committee within the Workforce Development Council.
Representatives from DLIR and the Workforce Development Council provided comments, saying WDC will set certification criteria and recommend program approvals while the governor retains certification authority. Witnesses cautioned that federal rules remain under development and may not be finalized before the July 1 implementation date; nonetheless, they described interagency planning work and participation in a National Governors Association policy academy to model scenarios.
The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HB 2383 as is and forwarded the measure for further consideration.
Representatives from DLIR and the Workforce Development Council provided comments, saying WDC will set certification criteria and recommend program approvals while the governor retains certification authority. Witnesses cautioned that federal rules remain under development and may not be finalized before the July 1 implementation date; nonetheless, they described interagency planning work and participation in a National Governors Association policy academy to model scenarios.
The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HB 2383 as is and forwarded the measure for further consideration.
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