summary
Introduced
01/23/2026
01/23/2026
In Committee
01/30/2026
01/30/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Elevates the offense of harassment to a misdemeanor when committed against certain public servants in connection with their performance of a governmental function.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a new offense called "harassment of a public servant" which is a misdemeanor, meaning it's a less serious crime than a felony. This new offense applies when someone commits the existing crime of harassment (defined as intentionally harassing, annoying, or alarming someone) against a "public servant" while that public servant is performing their official government duties. The bill lists a broad range of individuals who qualify as public servants, including the governor, legislators, state and federal judges, probation officers, and employees or volunteers of the office of elections. The legislature's reasoning for this change is that public servants face unique safety risks due to their roles and that existing laws have been difficult to apply effectively to threats and harassment against them, leading to situations where such behavior is often charged as a less serious offense or not pursued at all.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Chang. (on 02/20/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2568&year=2026 |
| SB2568_TESTIMONY_JDC_02-13-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/Testimony/SB2568_TESTIMONY_JDC_02-13-26_.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB2568_.HTM |
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