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GM 1242

Informing the Legislature that on May 30, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1098 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 142).

2025 Regular Session

Act 142 enhances protections for workers in protective services, education, and emergency roles by expanding assault definitions and penalties for threats against them.

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Bill Summary · GM 1242

Summary of Bill GM 1242

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: GM 1242
  • Title: Informing the Legislature that on May 30, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1098 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 142).
  • Status: Received
  • Introduced: May 30, 2025
  • Classification: Proclamation
  • Subject: Act 142

Purpose and Intent

Bill GM 1242 serves as a formal notification to the Hawaii State Legislature that the Governor has signed into law House Bill 1098, which is now designated as Act 142. The primary intent of Act 142 is to enhance protections for workers in various protective services roles by amending existing laws related to assault and terroristic threatening.

Key Provisions

Act 142 introduces significant changes to the Hawaii Revised Statutes, particularly in the definitions and penalties associated with crimes against protective services workers. The key provisions include:

  1. Amendments to Assault Laws:

    • The definition of second-degree assault is expanded to include:
      • Bodily injury to educational workers and protective services workers while they are performing their duties.
      • Bodily injury to emergency medical services providers, firefighters, and mental health facility employees.
      • Specific protections for individuals over the age of 60 and sports officials.

  2. Terroristic Threatening:

    • The definition of first-degree terroristic threatening is broadened to include threats against public servants, which now explicitly encompasses educational and protective services workers.

  3. Definitions:

    • The bill provides clear definitions for terms such as protective services worker, which includes administrators and aides employed by the Department of Human Services who respond to reports of child or vulnerable adult abuse.

Who Would Be Affected

The provisions of Act 142 primarily affect:
- Protective services workers: Individuals working in child welfare and adult protective services.
- Educational workers: Teachers, counselors, and other school staff.
- Emergency medical services personnel: Including paramedics and hospital staff.
- Firefighters and mental health facility employees: Those engaged in public safety and health services.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was signed into law by Governor Josh Green on May 30, 2025.
  • The notification of the signing was formally communicated to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the same day.

Conclusion

Bill GM 1242 serves as an important legislative step in enhancing the safety and protection of workers in critical public service roles in Hawaii. By expanding the definitions of assault and terroristic threatening, Act 142 aims to deter violence against these essential workers and ensure a safer working environment.

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

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