H.B. 711 Summary

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 707-702(2) to modify the affirmative defense of extreme mental or emotional disturbance in murder and attempted murder cases

• Prohibits explanations based on discovery, knowledge, or disclosure of a victim's actual or perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation from being considered reasonable justifications for the affirmative defense

• Specifically excludes scenarios involving unwanted nonforcible romantic or sexual advances or prior dating/romantic relationships from supporting the affirmative defense when based on the victim's gender or sexual orientation characteristics

• Requires courts to instruct juries to disregard bias and prejudice regarding a victim's gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation when evaluating a defendant's explanation

• Takes effect upon approval