Bill > SB1284

This bill proposes an amendment to Article 1, Section 5 of the Hawaii State Constitution to expand the existing constitutional protections against discrimination. The proposed amendment would broaden the current language to prohibit discrimination based on a more comprehensive list of characteristics, including ethnicity, age, disability, religion, national ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. Currently, the constitution only explicitly protects against discrimination based on race, religion, and sex. The bill would require a public ballot measure where voters will be asked to approve this constitutional amendment, which aims to provide more explicit and comprehensive equal protection under the law for a wider range of individuals. If approved, the amendment would ensure that no person can be deprived of their civil rights or be discriminated against in the exercise of those rights due to the newly specified characteristics. The amendment would take effect upon compliance with the state constitution's amendment procedures.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1284&year=2026