Bill > SB951

This bill modifies Hawaii's child abuse and neglect reporting laws to enhance information sharing and tracking, specifically requiring that written reports of child abuse or neglect include the military status of the child's parents or guardians if that information is known. The bill mandates that if the Department of Human Services receives a report about a family where one parent, guardian, or alleged perpetrator is a member of the United States military, the department must inform the appropriate military authority about the child abuse or neglect report. This change aims to improve coordination between civilian child protection services and military branches, potentially allowing for more comprehensive intervention and support for military families experiencing child abuse or neglect. The bill also makes several technical amendments to existing statutes, such as adjusting language around reporting requirements and the department's disclosure permissions, with most provisions taking effect on July 1, 2025. The goal appears to be creating a more robust and interconnected system for protecting children and supporting families, with special consideration for the unique circumstances of military households.

Health and Social Services, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=951&year=2025