Hawaii Senate Bill SB3023

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/26
• Refer: 1/30/26

Caption

Relating To Preferred Names.

Impact

If enacted, SB3023 would amend Chapter 302A of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to require the Department of Education to create a system for students to declare their preferred names. This includes updating various student records such as school-issued email addresses, identification cards, class rosters, transcripts, and diplomas to reflect the preferred name. The department will not charge fees for these updates, thereby minimizing barriers for students wishing to make these changes.

Summary

SB3023 proposes to enhance inclusivity within the state's public schools by allowing students to declare and use their preferred names rather than their legal names on school records. This legislative move addresses the harmful effects associated with 'deadnaming', which is the practice of calling a transgender or non-binary person by their name assigned at birth. The bill emphasizes the importance of a student's emotional well-being and aims to foster a safer school environment for all students, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Contention

Proponents argue that the bill promotes the mental health of students by preventing the negative psychological impacts of deadnaming, which is linked to increased rates of depression and suicidal ideation among transgender youth. However, there might be potential opposition surrounding the implementation of this policy, particularly from those who may argue for the necessity of legal names in educational records for identification and administrative issues. The success of this bill could hinge on the level of support from educational institutions and the broader community regarding transgender and non-binary rights.