Bill > SB357

This bill establishes comprehensive criteria for unpaid student internships in Hawaii, aiming to prevent exploitation of students by for-profit companies. The legislation defines a valid unpaid student internship as one that provides educational training primarily benefiting the student, where the intern works under close supervision and does not displace regular employees. The internship must be similar to educational program training, cannot guarantee or obligate the student to a paid job afterward, and must be clearly distinguished from employment. Specific requirements include: the student must be notified in writing that they will not receive wages, cannot receive employee benefits, the training must be general enough to qualify the student for work in similar businesses, and the screening process must be distinctly different from employment hiring. The bill defines a "student" as someone enrolled at least part-time in a secondary or post-secondary educational institution, or completing degree requirements, and includes periods when school is not in session. By codifying these guidelines, the bill seeks to protect students from potential labor law violations and ensure that unpaid internships serve a genuine educational purpose rather than functioning as a means of obtaining free labor.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=357&year=2026