SB 2323, a bill that would have required background checks on all homeschool families, was deferred by the Senate Committees on Education and on Human Services on Wednesday, February 14, 2018. Praise the Lord!
Many in opposition to SB 2323 were in attendance at the committee hearing, including Wilma Youtz, your CWA of Hawaii Legislative Liaison. CWA of Hawaii submitted 136 signed testimonies in opposition to SB 2323 as well as individual testimonies from both your State Director, Barbara Ferraro, and Wilma Youtz.
This outcome represents a significant turn of events. Yesterday’s hearing began with an announcement from Sen. Michelle Kidani (D-District 18), Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, that SB 2323 would be passed with amendments to the Committee on Judiciary. However, the passionate and reasoned arguments, respectfully voiced by those in attendance, and the written testimonies led to a monumental turn of events. The committees’ members voted to defer SB 2323, meaning that the bill will proceed no further during this legislative session. Moreover, Sen. Josh Green (D-District 3), Chair of the Senate Committee on Human Services, indicated that SB 2274, a similar bill he introduced, will not be scheduled for hearing and will, therefore, die this session. Thank you, Lord!
Our thanks go out to all of you who called the committee members earlier this week, signed and submitted written testimonies, attended the hearing, and prayed for the defeat of SB 2323. God so graciously heard our prayers and answered them!
“I waited patiently for the LORD,
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.”
— Psalm 40:1
While we celebrate this victory for homeschoolers, we must remain vigilant and be ready to mount the same effort should companion bill HB 2244 be scheduled for a hearing. It has been referred to the House Committees on Education, Health and Human Services, Judiciary, and Finance. CWA of Hawaii will continue to monitor this legislative session and keep a watchful eye on this bill.
With praise and thanksgiving to God,
Barbara Ferraro
State Director
CWA of Hawaii
director@hawaii.cwfa.org
hi.cwfa.org
Wilma Youtz
Legislative Liaison
CWA of Hawaii
hawaii.liaison.cwa@gmail.com