Bill > SB350

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Hawaii's state constitution that would explicitly protect an individual's right to access and use contraception. The proposed amendment would prevent the state from enacting any laws or taking any actions that deny or interfere with a person's ability to obtain contraceptives or engage in contraception. The bill defines contraception broadly as actions taken to prevent pregnancy, including the use of contraceptive devices, fertility-awareness methods, and sterilization procedures. It clarifies that contraceptives include various methods like IUDs and emergency contraceptives such as Plan B, emphasizing that these methods prevent pregnancy rather than terminate an existing pregnancy. The legislature notes that fourteen other states and Washington D.C. already have statutory or constitutional protections for contraception rights. If approved, this amendment would be added to Article I of the Hawaii Constitution and would complement the existing constitutional right to privacy. The proposed amendment would be placed on a ballot for voter approval, with the specific ballot question asking voters if they support preventing laws that would deny or interfere with contraception access.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=350&year=2026