Bill > SB1209

This bill addresses discrimination against riders with service animals by transportation network companies (TNCs) in Hawaii by establishing a new complaint and enforcement mechanism. The legislation requires the Civil Rights Commission to receive and investigate complaints about TNC drivers who unfairly deny service to passengers with service animals, and then report these findings to the Department of Transportation. Upon finding a violation, the Department will be mandated to issue escalating penalties against the transportation network company, including a $5,000 fine for each violation, a warning after three violations within twelve months, and potential permit suspension for ten or more cumulative violations. The bill builds upon existing non-discrimination requirements for TNCs, which already prohibit discrimination based on factors like race, disability, and gender, and specifically requires drivers to accommodate service animals as defined by state law. By creating a clear investigative and penalty process, the legislation aims to ensure that riders with service animals are not unlawfully denied transportation services and that transportation network companies are held accountable for their drivers' compliance with non-discrimination laws.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1209&year=2026