HI SB2181

Removes the requirement to prove knowledge that a victim was mentally defective in sexual assault cases; perpetrators are strictly liable for sexual assault against mentally defective persons under HRS 707-730(1)(d) and 707-732(1)(e).

Amends sexual assault in the first degree statute to specify that proof the perpetrator knew the other person was mentally defective is not required for prosecution.

Amends sexual assault in the third degree statute to create a separate offense for knowingly subjecting a mentally defective person to sexual contact without requiring proof of knowledge of the victim's mental defectiveness.

Updates sex offender registration requirements in HRS 846E-10 to include the new mentally defective-based sexual assault offenses as Tier 3 (lifetime registration) and Tier 1 (potentially eligible for termination after ten years).

Effective upon approval; does not affect rights, duties, or proceedings that occurred before the bill's effective date.