Bill > HB148

This bill establishes legal protections for individuals who make claims about sexual misconduct, creating a new statute that prevents defamation lawsuits against those reporting sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sexual discrimination, unless the communication is proven to have been made with malice. The bill defines "protected communication" as factual information related to sexual misconduct, including specific sexual offenses under Hawaii law, sex-based discrimination, and retaliation for reporting such incidents. If someone is sued for making such a protected communication and is found not liable, they are entitled to receive reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. The legislative intent is to create safer communities by removing legal barriers that might discourage victims or witnesses from reporting sexual misconduct, recognizing that defamation lawsuits can be used to silence those who come forward with truthful information about sexual wrongdoing. The new law will take effect immediately upon approval and applies broadly to various types of sexual misconduct and discrimination cases defined in existing Hawaii statutes.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=148&year=2026