Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR71

Introduced
3/16/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii State Commission On The Status Of Women, In Collaboration With The Office Of The Legislative Reference Bureau And Department Of The Attorney General, To Establish A Working Group And Provide A Report To The Legislature On Ways To Strengthen Protections For Survivors Of Image-based Sexual Abuse.

Impact

If fully enacted, SR71 could significantly impact state laws regarding the privacy and dignity of individuals. The current classification of image-based sexual abuse as a class C felony reflects an initial recognition of the issue, but the proposed exploration of enhanced protections could lead to more comprehensive legislative measures. This could result in stricter penalties and better resources for victims, fundamentally reshaping the legal landscape surrounding consent and digital privacy in Hawaii. The working group’s findings and recommendations are aimed to be submitted before the next legislative session in 2028, highlighting the urgency and importance of addressing this social issue.

Summary

Senate Resolution 71 (SR71) serves as a proactive measure aimed at enhancing protections for survivors of image-based sexual abuse in Hawaii. The resolution calls for the establishment of a working group led by the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, in collaboration with various legal and enforcement agencies. This group is tasked with reviewing existing statutes and policies both locally and nationally to identify potential improvements that can be integrated into Hawaii law to protect victims of this specific type of abuse. It emphasizes the need for legislative responses to the increasing prevalence of image-based sexual abuse facilitated through advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and virtual reality.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SR71 appears to be supportive, particularly among lawmakers and advocates focused on gender-based violence. There is a strong consensus that more needs to be done to combat image-based sexual abuse, especially in the context of rapidly evolving technology which allows for easier perpetration of such crimes. Advocates believe that the resolution is a significant step toward ensuring victims are not only recognized but are also afforded legal recourse and protection under state law. However, potential challenges may arise regarding the implementation of any new recommendations or laws and the need for adequate funding and resources to support victims.

Contention

Despite the broad support for SR71, some contention may arise regarding the balance between freedom of expression and the need to protect individuals from harm in the digital realm. Critics might argue that overly stringent regulations could inadvertently infringe on personal freedoms and privacy. Moreover, the success of this initiative will largely depend on the working group’s ability to engage with various stakeholders, including tech companies, legal experts, and advocacy groups, to create effective and feasible recommendations for legislative action that do not compromise individual liberties.

Companion Bills

HI SCR81

Same As Requesting The Hawaii State Commission On The Status Of Women, In Collaboration With The Office Of The Legislative Reference Bureau And Department Of The Attorney General, To Establish A Working Group And Provide A Report To The Legislature On Ways To Strengthen Protections For Survivors Of Image-based Sexual Abuse.

HI HR85

Same As Requesting The Hawaii State Commission On The Status Of Women To Establish A Working Group And Provide A Report To The Legislature On Ways To Strengthen Prevention, Interventions, And Protections For Survivors Of Image-based Sexual Abuse.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR107

Requesting The Hawaii State Commission On The Status Of Women To Convene A Working Group To Develop Measures To Strengthen Protections Under Title Ix.

HI HR103

Requesting The Hawaii State Commission On The Status Of Women To Convene A Working Group To Develop Measures To Strengthen Protections Under Title Ix.

HI SR130

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI SCR161

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI HCR193

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI HR186

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI SR75

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Establish And Provide Legislative Engagement Forums To Educate And Empower The Native Hawaiian Community Regarding The Legislative Process.

HI SR149

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Comprehensive Review Of The Hawaii Revised Statutes And Recommend Amendments To Incorporate Gender-neutral Terminology.

HI SCR92

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Establish And Provide Legislative Engagement Forums To Educate And Empower The Native Hawaiian Community Regarding The Legislative Process.

HI SR35

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Cooperate With The Hawaii State Public Library System To Identify Rural And Underserved Communities In The State With A Need For Better Telecommunication Access For Residents To Participate In The State Legislative Process.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.