Bill > SR149

This resolution requests the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB), a state agency that provides legal research and drafting support, to conduct a comprehensive review of Hawaii's laws to update and incorporate gender-neutral terminology. The resolution aims to modernize the Hawaii Revised Statutes to reflect the state's commitment to inclusivity, equality, and respect for all individuals, regardless of gender identity or expression. The LRB is specifically asked to draft recommended legislation that removes binary, gendered language, develop guidelines for future legislation to ensure gender-neutral terminology, and consult with various organizations including the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, State Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, and legal experts. The resolution requires the LRB to submit an interim report by 40 days before the 2026 legislative session and a final report by 40 days before the 2027 legislative session, with both reports including proposed statutory amendments. This effort follows previous state actions supporting gender diversity, such as expanding gender markers on state identification and legalizing same-sex marriage, and seeks to ensure state laws reflect the principles of respect and inclusivity.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SR&billnumber=149&year=2025