SB 2353 Summary

• Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex (including gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation) or disability in any state educational program or activity or any educational program receiving state financial assistance.

• Creates a state-level civil rights protection for students that mirrors federal Title IX protections, covering the University of Hawaii, Department of Education, and public charter schools.

• Allows students to file civil actions for sexual harassment, sexual assault, infliction of emotional distress, or invasion of privacy; the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission must issue a notice of right to sue if a similar civil action has been filed in circuit court.

• Establishes enforcement through the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission under Chapter 368, Hawaii Revised Statutes, providing remedies and rulemaking authority.

• Effective January 1, 2019.