Bill > SB3164

This bill aims to address challenges faced by nonprofit child welfare service organizations in Hawaii that contract with the state to provide essential services to children and families, by modifying how they are held liable in lawsuits. Specifically, it eliminates "joint and several liability," a legal principle where one party can be held responsible for the entire amount of damages even if they are only partially at fault. Instead, under this bill, a child welfare service organization's liability will be limited to its specific percentage share of the damages determined in a case, meaning they will only be responsible for the portion of harm directly attributable to their actions or omissions, including those of their employees. This change is intended to make liability insurance more accessible and affordable for these organizations, ensuring they can continue to operate and provide critical services without the threat of financial ruin from lawsuits, which have become increasingly severe and costly, impacting the insurance market and the organizations' ability to secure coverage.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=3164&year=2026