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SCR 81

REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, TO ESTABLISH A WORKING GROUP AND PROVIDE A REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE ON WAYS TO STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS FOR SURVIVORS OF IMAGE-BASED SEXUAL ABUSE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Elefante and 4 co-sponsors

Hawaii requests study on strengthening legal protections for non-consensual intimate image victims through commission working group and attorney general collaboration.

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#departmentoftheattorneygeneral #hawaiistatecommissiononthestatusofwomen #image-basedsexualabuse #protections #report #workinggroup
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Bill Summary · SCR 81

Legislative bill overview

SCR 81 requests that Hawaii's Commission on the Status of Women, working with the Attorney General's office, form a working group to study and report on strengthening legal protections for victims of image-based sexual abuse (non-consensual sharing of intimate images). This is a study resolution rather than a law, requesting analysis and recommendations rather than implementing immediate changes.

Why is this important

Image-based sexual abuse—such as revenge porn or non-consensual deepfakes—causes significant psychological harm to victims and remains inadequately addressed in many jurisdictions. Hawaii's existing protections may have gaps in coverage, enforcement mechanisms, or penalties, and this study aims to identify what legislative improvements could better protect survivors and deter offenders.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "image-based sexual abuse": Defining what counts (deepfakes vs. actual images, screenshots of consensual exchanges, etc.) creates legal complexity and free speech considerations
  • First Amendment tensions: Balancing stronger protections against non-consensual image sharing with free speech rights and determining where enforcement lines should be drawn
  • Resource allocation: Questions about funding for enforcement, victim support services, and whether the working group's recommendations will be adequately implemented or become a shelved report

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

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