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Teacher-licensing bill for J-1 visa hires draws opposition from standards board; committee passes measure with reservations
Summary
SB819 SD2, a bill addressing licensure for J-1 visa teachers, drew opposition from the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board over broader issues including third-party loans and testing barriers. The committee passed the measure with amendments and noted reservations.
The committee passed Senate Bill 819 SD2, a companion to House Bill 439, after a contentious hearing in which the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board registered formal opposition and community groups expressed support.
Mitsuhiga, speaking for the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, said the board opposed SB819 and emphasized broader concerns beyond licensure tests. “These are at 60% annual interest. This is nuts and and it's unaffordable for them,” she said, describing reports that some J-1 visa teachers obtain third-party loans at very high interest rates. The board said its separation from the Department of Education exists to prevent conflicts between licensure decisions and employer interests.
Supporters at the hearing — including public commenters and the Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights — argued Hawaii’s teacher shortage makes J-1 hires important. Sandy Ma testified in support, saying J-1 teachers could help alleviate shortages.
Department of Education Assistant Superintendent Sean Bacon told the committee the department has not received evidence showing widespread predatory loan practices among J-1 teachers in Hawaii. “To my knowledge, that is not the experience that our J-1 teachers have been experiencing at this point right now,” Bacon said, noting a U.S. Department of State audit and the department’s confidential reporting channels.
The committee questioned Praxis testing requirements and whether they pose a barrier for international hires. The Teacher Standards Board explained Hawaii requires Praxis core tests and subject- or grade-specific Praxis exams for licensure; the board supplied state cut scores for some Praxis components during questioning.
The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments and to return the measure to its House companion for further action; one member recorded a reservation on the final vote.
Next steps: committee language will be coordinated with the House bill (HB439 HD1) and stakeholders, and members requested continued engagement with the Teacher Standards Board, DOE and J-1 teachers about testing supports and lender practices.
