STAND. COM. REP. NO.1649

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2001

RE: S.C.R. No. 121

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 121 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING A STUDY ON THE LICENSING OF PRIVATE TRADE, VOCATIONAL OR TECHNICAL SCHOOLS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Auditor to study and make recommendations regarding the regulation of private trade, vocational, and technical schools.

The Department of Education (DOE) testified in support of this measure. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs presented comments on this measure.

State law currently requires the licensure and regulation of private trade, vocational, and technical schools by the DOE to protect consumers against false, deceptive, misleading, or unfair practices, and to ensure adequate educational quality. Your Committee finds that concerns have been raised regarding the continued need for licensure and the appropriate regulatory entity. Therefore, this measure requests that the Auditor:

(1) Investigate the potential liability of the State under the present regulatory system and the potential impact of repealing regulation;

(2) Recommend alternatives to the current licensure scheme, including alternative licensing entities; and

(3) Assess the economic impact of alternative forms of student indemnification.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 121 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing,

____________________________

RON MENOR, Chair