HONOLULU (AP) - Hawaii lawmakers have essentially killed a bill that would have required teacher performance evaluations.
The Hawaii State Teachers Association had lobbied heavily against the bill, arguing that it would supersede collective bargaining and comparing it to anti-union moves in Wisconsin.
House lawmakers chose to recommit the bill Tuesday instead of bring it to the floor for a vote. Senate leaders say they'll do the same today.
The state has promised teacher evaluations as part of the Race to the Top Program that won Hawaii $75 million that's now in jeopardy because of unsatisfactory progress on reforms. Teachers rejected a contract proposal that would have included evaluations.
Union President Wil Okabe said the House action is a "tremendous win."
Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Sen. Jill Tokuda said she's disappointed.
