Bill > HB239

This bill amends Hawaii's definition of child abuse or neglect to clarify that parents' inability to provide for their children's basic needs due solely to financial constraints should not be considered child abuse or neglect. The legislation recognizes that while poverty and child neglect are often correlated, they are not the same thing, and a parent's lack of financial resources does not automatically indicate intentional neglect. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing legal definition to explicitly state that when a child is not provided with adequate food, clothing, shelter, psychological care, physical care, medical care, or supervision, it will not be considered abuse or neglect if the sole reason for the failure is the parent's lack of financial means. Additionally, the bill stipulates that a parent's request for support services cannot be used as evidence of child abuse or neglect. This change aims to prevent families experiencing poverty from being unfairly penalized or separated, while still maintaining protections for children's welfare. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000 (which appears to be a placeholder date).

Health and Social Services, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=239&year=2026