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Bill

HB 239

RELATING TO CHILD ABUSE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cory Chun and 14 co-sponsors

Hawaii HB 239 addresses child abuse law, passed second reading with amendments, but was deferred by judiciary committee and carried to 2026 session for further consideration.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#childabuse #childwelfare #financialability #neglect
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Bill Summary · HB 239

Legislative bill overview

HB 239 relates to child abuse laws in Hawaii, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the available legislative history. The bill was introduced by a bipartisan group of legislators and underwent committee review in the Judiciary and Civil Law Committee (JDC) during the 2025 session before being carried over to 2026 for continued consideration.

Why is this important

Child abuse legislation directly affects child protection systems, law enforcement procedures, and family services. Changes to these laws can impact how cases are investigated, prosecuted, and handled by social services agencies, affecting thousands of vulnerable children and families in Hawaii.

Potential points of contention

  • The bill's specific amendments (as indicated by "SD 1" designation) were not fully disclosed in available records, making it unclear whether it expands or restricts definitions, penalties, or reporting requirements
  • Committee deferrals suggest potential disagreement among lawmakers about the bill's provisions or need for further revision
  • Child abuse legislation often involves balancing child protection with parental rights, mandatory reporting requirements, and due process concerns

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

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