H.B. 2053 Summary

• Adds a definition of "internship or job training program" to Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 378 to include apprenticeships, paid or unpaid internships not creating employment relationships, and other limited duration unpaid work experience programs.

• Establishes a new unlawful discriminatory practice prohibiting discrimination against individuals in selection, termination, terms, or conditions of internships or training programs based on race, sex (including gender identity or expression), sexual orientation, age, religion, color, ancestry, disability, marital status, arrest and court record, or reproductive health decision.

• Extends civil rights protections to unpaid interns and training program participants who may not qualify as "employees" under federal and state fair employment laws.

• Takes effect upon approval.