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Bill

HB 2353

RELATING TO THE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT CENTRAL REGISTRY.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Diamond Garcia and 6 co-sponsors

HB 2353 modifies Hawaii's child abuse and neglect central registry system, affecting child protection protocols and individuals' due process rights through registry inclusion and information sharing standards.

Referred to HSH, JHA, referral sheet 6
#childabuseandneglect #expungement #registry #survivors
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Bill Summary · HB 2353

Legislative bill overview

HB 2353 modifies Hawaii's child abuse and neglect central registry system, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the available information. The bill was introduced in January 2026 and is currently in committee referral to the House Committee on Human Services (HSH) and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA), suggesting it addresses both social services and legal/constitutional considerations.

Why is this important

Central registries for child abuse and neglect are critical tools for child protection, enabling caseworkers and institutions to identify individuals with substantiated histories of harm. Changes to these systems can significantly impact child safety protocols, parental rights, due process protections, and the balance between protecting vulnerable children and protecting individuals from false accusations or outdated records.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process and record accuracy: Questions about how individuals can challenge substantiated findings, expungement timelines, and appeals procedures if registry entries are incorrect or outdated
  • Privacy and collateral consequences: Concerns about how registry information is shared, with whom, and what employment, housing, or custody consequences result from inclusion
  • Scope of reportable conduct: Disagreement over what behaviors constitute abuse/neglect warranting registry inclusion and whether the standards are too broad or too narrow

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

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