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HB 728

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2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bethany Ballard and 3 co-sponsors

HB 728 aims to amend Hawaii's Constitution to protect reproductive freedom, ensuring access to abortion and contraceptives for individuals' health decisions.

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Bill Summary · HB 728

Summary of Bill HB 728

Title

Proposing a Constitutional Amendment to the Constitution of the State of Hawaii to Protect the Right to Reproductive Freedom

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 728
  • Status: Introduced and Passed First Reading
  • Introduced Date: January 17, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject Areas: Abortion, Constitutional Amendment, Contraceptives, Pregnancy Outcomes (ConAm), Reproductive Freedom

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 728 is to propose an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Hawaii that would explicitly protect the right to reproductive freedom. This includes safeguarding access to abortion services and contraceptives, as well as ensuring that individuals have the autonomy to make decisions regarding their reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes.

Key Provisions

  • Constitutional Amendment: The bill seeks to amend the state constitution to enshrine reproductive rights, thereby providing a legal framework that protects these rights from potential future legislative changes or restrictions.
  • Scope of Protection: The amendment would cover various aspects of reproductive health, including but not limited to:
    • Access to abortion services
    • Availability of contraceptives
    • Rights related to pregnancy outcomes

Affected Parties

  • Individuals: The amendment would primarily benefit individuals seeking reproductive health services, ensuring their rights are protected under state law.
  • Healthcare Providers: Medical professionals and organizations providing reproductive health services would be impacted by the legal protections established by the amendment.
  • Legislators and Policy Makers: The bill may influence future legislative discussions and policies regarding reproductive health and rights in Hawaii.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • January 17, 2025: Bill introduced and pending introduction.
  • January 21, 2025:
    • Passed First Reading in the House.
    • Referred to the following committees for further consideration:
    • HLT (Health)
    • JHA (Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs)
    • FIN (Finance)

Related Bills

  • SB 297: This bill serves as a companion to HB 728, indicating that similar legislative efforts are being pursued in the Senate.

Conclusion

HB 728 represents a significant legislative effort to secure and protect reproductive rights in Hawaii through a constitutional amendment. By enshrining these rights, the bill aims to provide a robust legal framework that supports individuals' autonomy over their reproductive health decisions. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having passed its first reading and been referred to relevant committees for further discussion and potential amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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